Kentucky Natural Gas Pipeline Nears Service After Final Safety Step

A new Bullitt County natural gas pipeline built by LG&E is nearing service as final odorization work begins, strengthening supply reliability and supporting regional growth.

(P&GJ) — A new natural gas pipeline built by Louisville Gas and Electric Co. in Bullitt County is approaching service after entering its final commissioning phase, according to WHAS11. The project adds a new delivery route intended to strengthen system reliability and support ongoing residential and commercial growth in the area.

Before the line can be placed into service, LG&E must complete odorization — the process of injecting mercaptan into the pipeline so gas can be easily detected if a leak occurs. Utility officials said the procedure will be carried out under controlled conditions and follows standard safety protocols used across the industry.

LG&E said the pipeline is designed to expand gas service capacity and provide redundancy for customers in Bullitt County, reinforcing supply reliability as development continues across the region.

The pipeline’s construction followed a prolonged legal dispute involving Bernheim Forest, which challenged the utility’s right to install a roughly 12-mile segment through non-public portions of forest property. That case concluded in December 2024 after the Kentucky Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal, clearing the way for the project to move forward, as reported by WHAS11.

Once odorization is complete and final checks are finished, the pipeline is expected to enter operation, marking one of the last steps in a project years in the making.