Expect Detours On Bayview Avenue Until Mid-May, NJNG Says

BAYVILLE, NJ - The deadline for New Jersey Natural Gas Company's plans to finishing the installation of an underground pipeline from Bayville across Barnegat Bay to South Seaside Park have been delayed by a long, cold winter, a company spokesperson said.

"The weather has been truly challenging," NJNG spokesman Michael Kinney said.

So you might as well get used to all those detours on Veeder Lane, Bayville Avenue and Ocean Gate Drive. The project isn't expected to be completed until mid-May, he said.

The company made the decision to add a redundant gas line across the bay after the severe damage on the coast from Superstorm Sandy in 2012, he said.

The state Board of Public Utilities asked all utilities to evaluate their resiliency in the wake of the devastating storm that hit the Jersey Shore hard, he said.

The Bayville project is just one of six areas on the coast to be done during the project. The Bayville pipeline - a 12-inch steel pipeline - will be installed from roughly 60 to 80 feet under the bay. It will run across the bay from Bayville to South Seaside Park, Kinney said.

Homeowners and businesses, primarily on Bayview Avenue, still have access to their homes and building, but roadway is pretty much closed to general traffic.

Photo: Patch file photo