Gas Line Repairs Force Columbia Trail Closure

The replacement of an insulator joint on a gas line in Hunterdon County will temporarily close the Columbia Trail next week, according to the Columbia Gas Transmission company.

Maintenance on a gas line that runs beneath the Columbia Trail in Washington Township will begin Monday, Oct. 22 in the Middle Valley area, said Robert Schini, Jr., an agent for the company in an email.

An insulator joint near the gorge in Hunterdon County is being repaired, which requires the company to exhaust gas from the line at a valve near Mallard Cove Road, Schini said.

Signs will be posted closing the trail in the area, and door hangers will be placed at residences to announce the operation. A smaller gas release may occur when the repairs are completed around mid-week, Schini said.