Williams Partners L.P. (NYSE: WPZ) is seeking binding commitments for the remaining capacity on Atlantic Access, a proposed expansion of its Transco interstate pipeline. The project would significantly expand direct access for Marcellus and Utica shale natural gas to additional, growing U.S. markets by late 2014.

Transco is holding an open season from Feb. 3 to April 2, 2012, to obtain binding shipper commitments for Atlantic Access. The project would connect natural gas supplies originating in western West Virginia and Pennsylvania to the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Gulf Coast regions. Williams (NYSE: WMB) owns 74 percent of Williams Partners.

The Atlantic Access project is expected to transport up to 1.8 million dekatherms (Dth) of natural gas per day. The company has already entered a binding precedent agreement with an anchor shipper for 900,000 Dth/day of capacity in the project. The project facilities include approximately 350 miles of new pipeline extending from Marshall County, W.V., and Butler County, Pa., to Williams’ Transco compressor station 195 located in York County, Pa. Williams’ Transco interstate pipeline system stretches from the prolific Gulf Coast up the East Coast to serve major markets in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.