Minneapolis, we've got some major works ahead. Utility heavyweight CenterPoint Energy is on the move again, laying down the law on Lakeland—the latest scene for the natural gas grid's makeover. Get ready for the orange cones, the rumble of heavy machinery, and a fresh look at the pavement, because from April 1 through June 2024, Uptown's Lake Street is their new playground.
Chalking up progress by the day, CenterPoint's sidekicks, Michels Corporation, are on a mission to swap out an old natural gas steel main along Lake Street W., from James all the way to Dupont Avenues S. Here's the kicker—Homeowners along this strip are getting a little something extra with this reno: meter relocation from indoors to outdoors, plus any necessary service line tune-ups. And in a twist that’ll have wallets breathing a sigh of relief, the tab for this gig is on the house—no extra cost hitting your bills according to CenterPoint Energy's project update.
As two teams dig in, going full throttle eastward, their digs are causing a bit of a stir on the roads—they're trenching it out to weld those gas line pieces together, a dance that needs its space. "We greatly appreciate your patience," reads the statement from CenterPoint. But patience will be tried, as James Avenue S. and Lake Street W. are crossing off drivers' lists with a closure running from April 1 to, possibly, April 4. Lane closures are also the order of the day between James and Irving Avenues S. and Hennepin and Girard Avenues S., with plans to nudge it further to Humboldt Avenue S. by April 12.
Got questions or need the scoop on how this is all going down? CenterPoint's Communication Specialist is your go-to. Just hit up 612-321-5546 or fire off an email to [email protected]. They're juggling infrastructure upgrades with keeping the community in the loop. So check out their website, tagged in their project update, for all the dirt on the crews' progress. "We thank you for your patience as we’re upgrading our infrastructure!" they stated, knowing well the balancing act of growth and the daily grind.
