Toms River's section of barrier island is expected to be closed to traffic from Dec. 8 to 18 as New Jersey Natural Gas crews make "critical" repairs to their system that will lead to service restoration for some by the end of the month.
Crews are prepared to re-activate gas service on the island but must follow a protocol to charge the lines before any sources of ignition -- vehicles included -- can enter the area, according to a statement on the Toms River Township website.
Once gas lines in the area are re-actived, another team will begin installing meters. When meters are installed and electricity has been restored, a qualified technician who has determined the gas equipment is safe may restore service to the property, according to NJNG.
Natural gas service is expected to be restored by the end of December to "all of our customers whose homes have not sustained such major damage that we cannot safely restore their service," a spokesperson for the utility said.
Customers who smell gas are advised to leave the building, refrain from using matches, cell phones or electrical switches and are asked to call 1-800-GAS-LEAK.
In order to activate the gas lines, NJNG can’t allow any source of ignition in the area, such as cars. As a result, in order to insure an expeditious and safe re-activation, the entire area must be closed off. There will no access to the barrier island unless NJNG authorizes permission to enter that area." I would say you're answer is no.
I could not make it but friend was at meeting which discussed the plan. No access to Lavallette Dec 11, 12 & 13 according to mayor No cars allows in whatever area they are pressurizing main. Lav on 11th, Ort Bch 12th & Pel Isl 13th I would leave your appointment as is and revisit the day before. Mentioned the dates could change if they run into problems. Toms River Site is confusing as it does state no access 8th to 18th Do they really need to shut down all of Toms River Beach Areas if they are working only in Normandy Beach? I would hope this will be further stipulated as the dates get closer.
The fact of the matter is, like it or not, there is no choice, none of us including Lavallette, and all of the other surrounding towns on the island, are not going to be back until the basic infrastructure is repaired for the entire barrier island. You can think that your town is not as damaged or the governing bodies are more capable. But its one island all connected by 3 bridges all knee high in the same crap as everyone else! I hope that I am wrong but I would not be surprised if anyone was allowed to move back at the earliest Lavallette, maybe January. Mantoloking Normandy, Ocean Beach, and especially Ortley is not going to be until April or May and that’s if your house is even repairable.
Why does TR need to safely block pedestrian & vehicular traffic on the weekend when work isn't starting till Monday.
Once the re-pressurization is complete the designated area will be open and NJNG will send second team to begin meter rebuilds for the area. After a meter has been re-established, NJNG will place a tag on the customer gas valve just past the meter. At that time, the home’s natural gas service may be turned on by a qualified technician--but only after electricity has been restored, it is safe to return to the home, and the qualified technician has determined that the natural gas equipment is safe to operate. Barring unforeseen conditions that may delay our work, NJNG anticipate restoring natural gas service by the end of December to all of our customers on the Barrier Island whose homes have not sustained such major damage that we cannot safely restore their service.