Officials Pledge Fast Recovery For Merrimack Valley

More than 8,600 properties are still without gas in the Merrimack Valley, where more than 80 explosions and fires ripped through the towns of Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover last week.

But at a press conference in Lawrence today, Governor Charlie Baker and other public officials announced a speedy timeline for replacing the 48 miles of old and affected pipeline.

They promised the work would be completed November 19th, with the National Guard and gas company workers distributing hot plates and space heaters in the meantime.

But as fall approaches, can that deadline actually be met?

Bruce Gellerman, WBUR Bostonomix reporter. He tweets @audiobruce.