TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (KUTV) — Construction headaches and strange smells have some Taylorsville residents fed up and asking the same question: When will it end?
Ongoing infrastructure work — including a large-scale gas line replacement, road repairs, and water flushing — has disrupted daily life for months, and many say it came with little warning and even fewer updates.
“They just don’t have any communications going on what they’re doing — when they’re doing it,” said Valina Eckley, a resident who lives near the construction work.
Another neighbor, Salvaeor Lazaldesi, echoed the frustration. “Honestly, I didn’t know it was going to be this big. We’re not used to seeing this kind of noise.”
The project, which started in January, has brought weeks of road closures, detours, and heavy equipment to otherwise quiet streets. For many, navigating through the neighborhood has become a daily hassle.
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“Just getting in and out like not being able to go north on that road and having to go all the way around to Redwood, it’s a hassle,” Eckley said.
Some residents told KUTV they have growing concerns about safety, particularly after reporting the smell of gas in the area.
KUTV reached out to Taylorsville who referred us to the gas company behind the project.
Enbridge, the utility company leading the gas line replacement, confirmed the project is part of a necessary upgrade to aging infrastructure. In a statement, the company said it’s not uncommon to smell natural gas during this phase of construction, as old pipelines are purged.
“In the long run, it’s going to be good for us,” Lazaldesi added.
Enbridge said they are working to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible, aiming for completion later this summer.
This isn’t the only gas pipeline project underway. Enbridge has a half-dozen other infrastructure gas line upgrades throughout the Salt Lake Valley.
Enbridge said if residents smell a strong odor of gas, they should immediately leave the area and call 911.
For now, the community is waiting, watching, and hoping for the end of months-long disruptions.
Enbridge Gas Inc. full statement:The Feeder Line 34 project in Salt Lake City is an important system upgrade that supports our ability to deliver safe, reliable natural gas to homes and businesses along the Wasatch Front. The project replaces aging infrastructure and improves system monitoring and maintenance.We understand construction can be disruptive. That’s why our Enbridge team and our experienced contractor are working quickly and safely, including during evenings and weekends where needed, to reduce traffic and business impacts. We’re committed to being a good neighbor, and working closely with local officials and doing what we can to ensure the community is informed, supported and safe throughout this project.During this type of work, the smell of natural gas is not uncommon, and you may notice a faint odor of natural gas in the area. This can happen as we safely purge or isolate older pipelines. Our team follows strict safety protocols and continuously monitors the area to protect the public and environment.If you ever smell a strong or persistent gas odor, leave the area immediately and call our 24-hour emergency number at 1-800-767-1689. Safety is our top priority, and our team is always ready to respond.Those interested can learn more about the project on our website, which is updated regularly: Gas Feeder Line 34 Replacement Project | Projects | Enbridge Gas.You can learn more about natural gas safety on our website.