Eden Prairie residents better keep an eye to the sky next week, as Xcel Energy gears up to modernize its power lines—with a little help from above. Starting Monday, April 15, wires on the existing transmission line, which cuts a path through central Eden Prairie from Highway 212 to the Minnesota River, are getting swapped out for fresh cables, and the job's got a high-flying twist: a helicopter will be a linchpin in the process.

The aerial wire replacements, part of a project predicted to wrap up by mid-May, weather permitting, will see rotary blades swarming overhead as bucket trucks and crews on the ground hustle down below, according to Eden Prairie's official announcement. It's a high-wire act ensuring the city's power stays humming without a hitch, as Xcel Energy promises no power outages are expected while the work is executed.

For those driving through central Eden Prairie, heads-up: temporary lane closures could complicate your commute. While the crews coordinate their ballet of helicopters and bucket trucks, safety will, no doubt, come first—even if it means traffic moves at a less-than-electric pace.

Got concerns about the project or need to get the lowdown directly from the energy horse's mouth? Xcel Energy's consultants Doug Cottrell or Connor Puff can field your queries. But just remember, while power outages are off the table, patience might be in short supply.