SDG&E New Pipeline Project to Begin May 2021

Work on San Diego Gas & Electric’s new natural gas pipeline through Rancho Bernardo and Poway is expected to begin in May 2021, according a company presentation.

Representatives from SDG&E gave an update on the project, known as Pipeline 1600. It aims to replace the original pipeline 1600, which was built in 1949 and is the sole source of natural gas for Poway and many other areas between Rainbow and Mission Valley, said Kevin O’Beirne, a regulatory case manager for SDG&E.

SDG&E has worked since 2012 to replace more than 20 miles of the pipeline, O’Beirne said. It has also strength-tested more than three miles of pipeline.

The pipeline project has been completed in La Mesa, Santee, El Cajon, Mission Valley, Morena Boulevard, Pacific Highway and National City, O’Beirne said. Work in Escondido is expected to finish in November and Mira Mesa in December, as well as Serra Mesa and Kearny Mesa.

Up next is Bear Valley in Escondido and the San Dieguito River Park, which begins this month and is expected to conclude in April. Work in Rancho Bernardo and Poway is scheduled to begin in May 2021 and finish in February 2022. The second part of the project, in the south part of Pomerado Road in Poway, will begin in August 2021 and conclude in December 2021. The project will then move to Scripps Poway Parkway in November 2021.