MARIN COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) — Pacific Gas & Electric is conducting a series of tests on a new temporary gas line that was installed this weekend underneath Highway 101 in Novato. The pipeline was installed to replace pipelines on a nearby hillside that were exposed during last week’s storms.

US-101 from Petaluma to Novato was closed over the weekend for crews to complete work in the area, according to CalTrans. The California Highway Patrol – Marin confirmed the roadway was reopened by 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The bypass was expected to be put in service before Tuesday’s storm and the shutdown of the existing line could create an unwanted smell. In the meantime, steps have also been taken to ensure Highway 101 remains open should the hillside continue to move.

US-101 southbound was closed from State Route 116 (Lakeville Highway) in Petaluma to Atherton Road in Novato from 9 p.m. Saturday until 2 p.m. Sunday, CalTrans said. The closure provided PG&E and the County of Marin extra space as they dealt with the impacts of a landslide that occurred in the area on March 21.

This is a map.
(Map courtesy of CalTrans)

PG&E planned to complete work on gas lines that run under the freeway. PG&E also built a bypass for drivers to avoid the impacted slope in preparation for the upcoming storm. North Marin Water has also been on site with PG&E this week to asses the situation.

PG&E says the gas pipeline could be in place for up to six months. By that time, a permanent solution should be in place.