Natural Gas Pipeline Tests To Close Roads In Bartow Friday

BARTOW, FL — In the early morning hours of Friday, July 15, Florida Gas Transmission Co. will hydrostatically test a 6-mile section of its 12-inch natural gas pipeline running from the Gordonville area in unincorporated Bartow to North Maple Avenue in northwest Bartow.

A line break delayed testing previously scheduled for earlier this month.

Testing requires closing Richardson Road and Radford Road in Gordonville from midnight to 4 a.m.

Depending on driver destination or direction of travel, traffic will be detoured along Old Bartow Eagle Lake Road, Spirit Lake Road and U.S. 17 to avoid closures.

Flaggers supported by law enforcement will control intersections and two-way traffic where required and emergency vehicles will be provided access at all times.

If the test does not pass, a second night of testing may be necessary. FGT is federally mandated to strength test their natural gas pipelines at regular time intervals to assess integrity and assure safety for the public.

For more details, contact Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at 863-535-2200.