Saginaw Trail Pipeline Project

As of: 2:45 PM, 4/20/21

Delivering Natural Gas Value

Now complete, the Saginaw Trail Pipeline is a four-phase, $610 million project to modernize the natural gas infrastructure in Saginaw, Genesee and Oakland counties. The work is part of our Natural Gas Delivery Plan, a 10-year road map to a system that is even more safe, reliable, affordable and clean.

Background

We are investing hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade our natural gas infrastructure to benefit the over 1.8 million homes and businesses we serve throughout Lower Michigan.
About 20 crews with different responsibilities will coordinate to remove the old line and install new pipe.
Safety is our top priority, and daily briefings are key to a successful project.
We restored 93 acres of the first phase construction area using a special seed mix containing native grasses and wildflowers to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators losing habitat across the country.
During the first phase of construction, we discovered turtle eggs in the right-of-way, removed them for safe hatching and released them back into their native habitat.
Crews locate underground pipes and wires, remove trees, rocks and debris, and strip the top soil. Fences are installed to help control erosion along wetlands, streams and drain crossings.
The old pipeline is removed, cut into sections and removed according to environmental best practices.
Pipe is transported to the right-of-way, where it’s laid out, bent to follow the terrain and welded together. Technicians inspect the welds, the pipe is coated to prevent corrosion and re-inspected.
Crews dig the ditch. The pipe is lifted and lowered into the ground and tied in to city gates or other junctions.
When the pipeline has to cross roads and highways, we bore safely underneath and pull the pipe through according to industry best practices.
The pipe is buried and a crew ensures the land is graded and flat.
We leave it better than we found it by cleaning up the construction area and planting new grass seed. In some wild areas and wetlands, we may use a special mix to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Our Plan

Phase 1 - Completed	Clio city gate (CG) to Evon Road valve site	18.5 Miles
Phase 2 - Completed	Evon Road to Zilwaukee CG	18.5 Miles
Phase 3 - Completed	Clio CG to Grand Blanc CG	29.2 Miles
Phase 4 - Completed	Grand Blanc CG to Clawson Control	28.2 Miles

Crews of union skilled trades workers removed old pipe along the Saginaw Trail Pipeline route and installed a new, larger pipeline.
While the pipeline travels primarily through rural agricultural areas, it was rerouted around two large urban areas of Saginaw and Flint.
In addition to replacing pipe, we also rebuilt city gate facilities where gas pressure is regulated for safe delivery to homes and businesses.
To fulfill our promise of world-class performance, we ensured no service interruptions occurred due to pipe construction.

Latest News

Major construction was completed in 2020 and the new pipeline is operating safely. Restoration work is scheduled to continue through summer 2022.

Map of Consumers Energy now completed Saginaw Trail Pipeline Project

Caring for Michigan's Environment

Consumers Energy worked carefully to protect the environment and local wildlife.

We completed a detailed environmental inventory of the project area – including all wetlands, drains and stream crossings – and worked with applicable federal, state and local agencies to consider all environmental concerns.

Saginaw Trail Pipeyard

Our 80-acre campus in Thetford Township near Flint serves as home base for the project. The site has a field office, ample room for materials and equipment, and easy crew access to the entire project area. We’re happy to be part of the local community and appreciate your support as we completed this important project safely and successfully.

Learn More

Public: 800-647-8101

Media: 586-918-0597

Email: SaginawPipeline@cmsenergy.com

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