© 2024
NPR for Northern Colorado
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Proposed Xcel Pipeline Replacement Could Cause Traffic Headaches

Xcel Energy wants to replace a ’20s-era natural gas pipeline, but the project could cause traffic delays and other problems in Northern Colorado in the coming years.

Xcel held an open house in Fort Collins last night to explain the West Main Natural Gas Pipeline Project. Much of the work will happen between 2013 and 2015, according to officials. Kara Strawn owns Pappy’s Corner Pub in Fort Collins. She says she came to find out how the pipeline project—which currently runs along Shields Street—would affect her business.

“I just want to stay on top of it, how long is it going to take, and see how we can best work with them to lessen the impact to the businesses,” she said.

Xcel hasn’t finalized the details of which Fort Collins city streets will be impacted. The pipeline currently runs north along Shields Street, veers east on Horsetooth Road, and continues north on Timberline to Vine Dr.

Xcel spokesperson Mark Stutz says the goal with the replacement project is to double the diameter of the pipeline in some places, and build capacity for the future.

“As the area continues to grow, as demands for natural gas continue, we now have the capacity to ensure we don’t have things like outages, or things that would disrupt our customer’s lives,” he said.

The company has already started some preconstruction. Residents in Fort Collins and Loveland could see work as soon as this year.