SEPTEMBER 25, 1998 -- ANCHORAGE, AK -- The trans-Alaska pipeline shutdown began as scheduled at 6:05 this morning and will last for approximately 36 hours. It's the longest planned shutdown in the life of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System. Two mainline valves will be repaired or replaced at a cost of approximately $10 million, and other maintenance work will be performed along the length of the 800-mile line.

A team of 130 employees and contractors has worked since spring to prepare for the valve projects, which are designed to improve internal sealing systems in the valves. Following the project, both valves are expected to seal tightly so that oil cannot pass from one portion of the pipeline to another. At the beginning of the shutdown, both valves were isolated from the rest of the pipeline using "stopple plugs". The valves have been drained of any remaining oil. Each valve will be cleaned before work begins on the valve.