The Gas Co. is still working on its timeline for fixing a gas main that ruptured in an explosion that prompted evacuation orders for more than 14,000 in Castaic, officials said this week.
The utility has set up a website to let the public know about its progress on addressing the pipeline rupture, which the utility determined to have been caused by a landslide, which was triggered by heavy rainfall, according to an email Thursday from Aaron Ortiz of Capital Projects Outreach. The worksite is listed by SoCal Gas as “adjacent to Ridge Route Road near the (Interstate 5) Freeway.”
“We expect to have a more detailed schedule/timeline by the end of the month, and will update the webpage as the project progresses,” said Ortiz, who identified himself as the press liaison for the repair project.
“There are no current or anticipated residential customers impacted by the temporary pipeline outage,” according to the website. “Non-core natural gas customers experiencing temporary service interruptions have been contacted directly by their account executive or account manager.”
The website also states that a geotechnical assessment of the area is underway, and that work is expected to be completed by the end of March. The engineering study will guide the utility on how “to safely replace the damaged pipeline segment,” according to a message Thursday on the webpage Ortiz referenced.
“Currently, construction is expected to begin in May 2026 and could take several months to complete. However, construction timelines may be adjusted pending the outcome of the geotechnical, weather, and other analyses,” according to the website.
The Dec. 27 pipeline rupture prompted a number of concerns for the Castaic Area Town Council, which questioned the utility at length in January during the council’s monthly meeting. The explosion occurred not far from where L.A. County is planning to discuss a final tract map for more than 2,300 homes for the Northlake Specific Plan later this month.
