By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

Colonial Pipeline officials have completed the construction, fabrication and positioning of the bypass segment on its Line 1 pipeline, and the restart of the line is expected to return to normal on Wednesday, Sept 21, according to the latest update from the company on Sept. 20.

Colonial Pipeline continues its around-the-clock efforts to restore function to one of its main lines that has been shut down since the gas leak was discovered on Sept. 9, near the intersection of Shelby County 270 and Coalmont Road near Helena.

Normally, the Colonial Pipeline system transports about 2.6 million barrels of refined products each day with Line 1 accounting for half of the volume.

In order to fix Line 1, Colonial Pipeline installed a bypass segment and is “in the process of executing a hydrostatic test of the segment, which is approximately 500 feet in length, to ensure its structural integrity,” according to the latest update.

Once the hydrostatic test is complete, Colonial Pipeline will begin the process of tying the bypass segment into Line 1 and prepare for a safe restart of that line on Sept. 21.

Although the restart of Line 1 could happen soon, the company urges that when the line does restart, it will take several days for the fuel delivery supply chain to return to normal.

Colonial Pipeline warns that markets served by Colonial Pipeline may experience, or continue to experience, intermittent service interruptions although the company continues to move as much gasoline, diesel and jet fuel as possible and will continue to do so until markets return to normal.

To receive updates on the continued cleanup efforts, visit Helena.colonialresponse.com.