MIST – NW Natural is moving short sections of two pipelines this summer to make way for a new bridge and a highway realignment in the Battle Creek area on State Highway 47 in Columbia County.

The work is about two miles east of Mist, which is at the junction of state Highways 47 and 202.

Beginning today, drivers in the area should expect increased truck traffic and delays, including periods of one lane traffic, throughout the summer. The gas company will complete the work by Sept. 1.

Next year, the Oregon Department of Transportation will realign the highway through the area to straighten out a curve and build a new bridge over Battle Creek. NW Natural is moving its pipelines now so that the ODOT project can proceed next year.

The project will move 850 feet of 24-inch diameter pipe and 660 feet of 16-inch diameter pipe. The pipes, which allow natural gas to flow from NW Natural’s Mist storage facility nearby, will be placed beneath Battle Creek, about 100 feet away from the new bridge. The company will use boring equipment to work well beneath the creek bed.

“We’ve done this on many projects involving stream crossings,” said Charlie Stinson, NW Natural’s engineering director of project and resource services. “Not only is there no damage done to sensitive riparian areas during the work, but afterward there is nothing visible and the pipe is underground away from any above ground hazards.”

During the work, some area customers will be without natural gas service for a brief period. Arrangements will be made with individual customers.