LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- After years of legal back and forth, construction on the LG&E pipeline near Bernheim Forest has started.

In December of 2024, LG&E got the go ahead to condemn Bernheim Forest land for the pipeline.

LG&E officials said trees were cleared in the area in February and construction on the 12-mile pipeline began in April.

While LG&E pushes on, those against the project are still voicing their unhappiness with the decision.

"In order to protect all that we hold dear, the ecosystems that allow us to live and breathe and be healthy on this planet, in order to protect all that, we have to ask our utility again to make a change," Elisa Owen, senior organizer of the Beyond Coal Campaign, said. "Don't bring us more fossil fuel infrastructure."

LG&E communications director Liz Pratt said they've been transparent throughout the process and have waited a long time for this, adding that it will add service reliability for around 9,500 existing customers in the area.

"In 2019, we began deferring requests for new and expanded natural gas service because we just could not meet that need," Pratt said. "Thankfully, with the construction of this pipeline that began in April, you know, we'll be able to meet the capacity needs well into the future for our customers in that area."

According to LG&E's website, the route of the pipeline minimizes impacts to the environment since it's using existing utility easements.

Pratt adds that once construction is complete, property owners will still be able to access the easement, whether they want to use it for transportation, growing crops or pasteurizing animals.

Owen and leaders at Bernheim Forest said although they were able to save some features of the forest, there's still uncertainty for sensitive species.

"We explained to them that it was messing up a wildlife corridor, so even if it's not on the land itself, it is cutting it," said Owen. "And wildlife needs a corridor where they can get in touch with each other to keep their species going and all of that."

Owen said they'll be hosting an event at Bernheim Forest that will memorialize the 494-acre wildlife corridor on July 20.

Meanwhile, Pratt said LG&E expects construction to be finished by the end of 2025, and they're excited to be able to enhance service for customers in the area.

You can find more information on the project on LG&E's website by clicking here.

Previous Coverage: 

LG&E can condemn Bernheim Forest land for pipeline after Kentucky Supreme Court declines review

Metro Council OKs measure opposing LG&E plan to take Bernheim Forest land for pipeline

LG&E can take Bernheim Forest land for Bullitt County gas pipeline, judge rules

Bernheim pipeline lawsuit heads to trial in Bullitt County

Feds suspend permit for LG&E’s proposed Bullitt County pipeline

Court of Appeals to hear argument for LG&E pipeline in Hart County

Bernheim Forest begins fundraising challenge to prevent proposed LG&E pipeline 

Judge rules against Bullitt County landowners who sought review of LG&E pipeline decision

Permit puts LG&E's Bullitt County pipeline 'one step closer' to construction

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