Median Work at Fletcher and Jackson Ends; Wood Chips Cover Big Hole

A work crew from ARB Inc. finished landscaping on the median between Fletcher Parkway and Parkway Drive at Jackson Drive before 11 a.m. Friday—completing a natural gas pipeline inspection as promised.

Wood chips an a few shrubs covered the ground where a trench had been open for a month.  Workers hired by Southern California Gas Co. had been testing a natural-gas pipeline for any leaks or serious wear.

The 36-inch pipeline—a key transmission point for the county—was fine, they found.

La Mesa city officials came earlier Friday to check on the landscaping and test the sprinklers.  A member of the crew said all was OK—even if fewer plants were replaced. He said the city wanted vehicle access to the area.

However, a rusting electrical box resting at a tilt near a tree would have to be replaced by San Diego Gas & Electric, said a worker.