A week after the pipeline leak in Alabama resulted in a gas shortage across the southeastern United States, Colonial Pipeline has announced that construction, fabrication and positioning of the bypass segment around the leak site is complete.
According to a press release sent out by the company, Colonial is in the process of executing a hydrostatic test of the segment to ensure its structural integrity. It will then begin the process of tying the bypass segment into the main line (Line 1), preparing for a safe restart.
Colonial Pipeline projects a restate of Line 1 by Wednesday. After the restart, it will take several days for the fuel delivery supply chain to return to normal. According to the press release, some markets served by Colonial Pipeline may experience intermittent service interruptions, but Colonial will continue to move as much gasoline, diesel and jet fuel as possible until markets return to normal.
“Motorists may continue to see spotty outages this week, but once regular fuel delivery resumes supplies should return to normal. AAA advises motorists to continue their normal driving and fueling routine,” said Garrett Townsend, Georgia Public Affairs Director, AAA—The Auto Club Group, in a press release. “We anticipate that pump prices will return to last week’s level fairly soon after fuel deliveries are back on schedule.”