MPLX unit to proceed with Wood River-to-Patoka oil line expansion

MPLX LP subsidiary Marathon Pipe Line LLC will move forward with its planned 130,000-b/d expansion of the Wood River-to-Patoka crude oil pipeline after completing a binding open season on Aug. 31.

The expansion will allow for additional crude to be moved from the US Midcontinent to the US Midwest. The pipeline stretches from Wood River, Ill., to Patoka, Ill., a large hub for crude storage and distribution.

The project will lift capacity to 345,000 b/d by increasing horsepower and adding drag-reducing agents. The expansion is expected to begin service in second-quarter 2018.