UPDATE: Gas Service To Be Restored To Pelican Island, South Seaside Park And Seaside Park Later This Month

New Jersey Natural Gas plans to pressurize the gas lines for Seaside Heights and Pelican Island on Dec. 13, Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said.

The Thomas A. Mathis Route 37 East bridge into the barrier island will be closed to all traffic that day and on Dec. 14, when the lines for Seaside Park and South Seaside Park are pressurized, Amato said.

"No access will be allowed for safety reasons," Amato said.

Once the lines are pressurized, NJNG employees will do meter rebuilds on Dec. 17 and Dec. 18. When the meter rebuilds are completed, natural gas will be reintroduced to the meter, the mayor said.

The gas will be shut off at the meter's shut-off valve and a tag attached to the valve.

The tag will state "Before opening this valve, you must properly test and inspect the piping beyond the valve as well as any natural gas equipment.  You may also need to have approval by your local code official.  Once inspection is complete and any and all necessary approvals are obtained, natural gas service may be safely initiated by a qualified individual, such as a licensed plumber or HVAC contractor, without contacting New Jersey Natural Gas Company."

Inspections are needed to make sure all equipment and appliances in the homes are safe, Amato said.

"According to NJNG, that should be completed no later than the 20th," he said.