Minneapolis – Lyndale Avenue S. from 54th to 61st Streets W.
Scheduled Start Date: April 4, 2022
- If you contact CenterPoint Energy for any questions, please reference the project’s name or the numbers 100199924 for the first main replacement and the service line work, or 100200270 for the second main replacement.
What will CenterPoint Energy do?
From Monday, April 4 to fall 2022, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors will work in Minneapolis along Lyndale Avenue S. from 54th to 61st Streets W. 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.
The first natural gas main is small-diameter plastic that is typically bored underground. The second main is large-diameter steel. Since the crews weld the pieces of the pipe together, the steel main replacement requires open excavation and takes longer to install than the small-diameter plastic main. Time spent on each block will vary due to the size of the block, the steel offsets, the restoration preparation, and the weather. Restoration will follow the steel main work.
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What are the anticipated traffic impacts?
- There will be four separate crews, one for each phase of the project. Each crew plans to set up their own traffic plan and parking restrictions, removing their signs when their work is done. This may happen before another crew sets up their own traffic signs.
- Although the plans may vary, the crews are anticipating lane shifts, parking restrictions, and a sidewalk closure on the side of Lyndale Avenue S. where they’ll be working for most of the project.
- They plan to close Lyndale Avenue S. to through traffic from 56th to 58th Streets W.
- Temporary restoration may be put down on excavations in the road or sidewalk before the permanent restoration comes.
- Our Project Updates link above will be updated on the crews’ progress. We apologize for the inconvenience as we upgrade our natural gas lines. We hope to make the construction process run smoothly and efficiently.
What is CenterPoint Energy’s COVID-19 protocol?
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.
What if I have an inside gas meter?
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 arrive, they will leave a door tag with their contact information to schedule an appointment with them.
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.
What should I expect during restoration?
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. For photo examples, please visit our
Restoration Practices page.
