Pipeline Project to Continue
April 12, 2010

Once the soil dries enough to support heavy machinery, Northern Natural Gas Co. (NNG) is expected to resume work on its natural gas pipeline expansion through Lake Rebecca Park Reserve. This spring, crews will bury the remaining sections of pipe. Once that is completed, the company will work to restore the land adjacent to the pipeline that was disturbed during construction. The site restoration work is anticipated to be completed this summer. 

NNG has owned and operated pipelines in Lake Rebecca Park Reserve and the adjoining area since the 1960s. This project involves the abandonment of one existing pipeline and the construction of a larger one. Federal approval for the pipeline project was not in contention; however, Three Rivers Park District was able to work with NNG to re-route the work zone to minimize the impact on Lake Rebecca Park Reserve. 

The pipeline approximately parallels County Road 50 from the southwest corner of the park near the intersection of County Road 11 and continues to East Lake Rebecca Road. NNG is extending the pipeline north along East Lake Rebecca Road and east, paralleling the Canadian Pacific Railroad, to County Road 92.

Because the pipeline intersects the horse trail at several points, a large portion of the horse trail and the trailhead are expected to remain closed until late summer. Please note that until the project is completed, horse trailer parking will not be available at the park. The public is allowed to ride in to the park where the open portion of the trail is accessible from East Lake Rebecca Road, although caution is advised.