Brooklyn Center - Woodbine Area Reconstruction Project - Project Updates

This week, a crew from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, has been connecting the natural gas service lines to the new main under the east boulevard of Grimes Avenue N. between 71st and 73rd Avenues N. They have also been moving inside meters outside. During this time, parking will be restricted on both sides of Grimes Avenue N. in this area.

In the weeks of May 9 and 16, a crew from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, plans to finish replacing the project’s natural gas mains. The final street is Noble Avenue N. Parking is restricted on the east side where the crews are working.

In the week of May 16, another Michels Corporation crew will begin connecting the service lines to the new mains and moving inside meters outside. They will follow the main crew’s route. Q3 Contracting will restore the areas affected by Michels Corporation’s work outside the limits of the City of Brooklyn Center’s Woodbine Area Reconstruction Project.

In the week of May 2, a crew from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, will replace the natural gas main under the east sidewalk of Grimes Avenue N. between 71st and 73rd Avenues N. During this time, parking will be restricted on the east side of Grimes Avenue N. in this area.

In the week of May 9, the crew plans to replace the main under the east sidewalk of Indiana Avenue N. between 71st and 73rd Avenues N. During this time, parking will be restricted on the east side of Indiana Avenue N. in this area.

When the main is replaced here, they will begin replacing the main on 71st Avenue NE.

From Monday, May 2 into summer 2022, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors will work in Brooklyn Center along select streets between Woodbine Lane and Noble, France, and 71st Avenues N. While Michels Corporation will replace the natural gas mains, connect the natural gas service lines to the new mains, and move any inside meters outside, Q3 Contracting will restore the areas affected by Michels Corporation’s work.

During this time, lane, parking, and sidewalk closures may occur in areas of active construction. The crew plans to close part of the roundabout at Halifax Avenue N. and 71st Avenue N. with flaggers on site helping direct traffic. This setup is planned only for the daytime.

The construction crews and personnel will continue to use the Covid-19 Customer Permission Flyer, which requests customer permission prior to entering homes. Personnel, contractors and CenterPoint Energy employees will continue to practice CDC guidelines regarding social distancing, sanitary practices and wearing face masks when entering customer homes.

The customer will receive a CenterPoint Energy postcard in the mail typically within one or two weeks prior to the day when the Michels Corporation crews will perform the work. The crews will have CenterPoint Energy-authorized photo IDs stating that they are employees of Michels Corporation.

After the customer receives the postcard, the foreman will arrive at the customer’s house to schedule an appointment that typically meets with the customer’s schedule. If the customer isn’t home when they arrives, he will leave a door tag with his contact information to schedule an appointment with him.

Customers are advised to set aside a two- to four-hour time frame for the inside-to-outside gas meter move. They are also advised to mark their privately-installed utilities such as dog fences or sprinklers. Marking can be accomplished with tools such as spray paint or utility flags. The foreman will access the natural gas meter inside the house, move the meter outside, and relight the natural gas appliance pilot lights after the new meter has been relocated.

Customers with outside meters will be notified prior to the replacement or connection of the service lines to the new mains. Areas affected by our work will be restored to their original condition.

On the soft surfaces such as boulevards and lawns, various erosion control measures keep the restored area moist, hold seed in the soil, and enhance seed germination. If an erosion blanket is needed it is secured in place with staples. The mesh is a wood fiber that will completely degrade. Prior to mowing the restored area, remove any loose staples that secured the blanket.