RAYMONDVILLE – Residents along the stretch of a new gas pipeline are surprised by the groundbreaking.

For some, the construction will mean flammable gas within hundreds of feet of their homes.

The Valley Crossing Pipeline is under construction, running from Nueces County to the Brownsville Ship Channel.

It crosses East Raymondville and the northeast section of Harlingen.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS spoke to people who live along Highway 77 in the eastern section of Raymondville, who said they were not notified.

"No notification, no nothing," said Bobby Perales. "We actually had to see it being built to actually ask questions."

In filings to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Valley Crossing Pipeline said the 165 mile pipeline is 42 to 48 inches wide. It will carry natural gas. The pipes are designed to sustain pressures of 3000 pounds per square inch.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS reached out Willacy County Emergency Management Coordinator Frank Torres. He said the county has safety procedures in place, in case of an emergency.

He would not go into detail, citing the need to keep aspects secret that relate to national security.

We are working to find out additional safety practices that will be followed in communities near the pipeline.