St. Louis Park residents should brace for some construction disruptions as CenterPoint Energy kicks off a major project to overhaul its natural gas infrastructure. The company has announced through a bulletin that its authorized contractors are set to begin replacing natural gas lines on Minnetonka Boulevard, with work starting from late May and stretching into early summer.
The project's first phase will hit Minnetonka Boulevard from France Avenue S. to Joppa Avenue S., and on Sunset Boulevard from France Avenue S. to Joppa Avenue S., "The pipes used in these pipeline replacement and modernization projects are more resistant to corrosion and leakage, helping us continue to provide the safe, reliable service you count on," the communication specialist at CenterPoint Energy, Hannah Gullickson said in a statement. In the second phase, taking place from summer to fall, the crews will move further down Minnetonka Boulevard to Salem Avenue S., Equix Integrity will be updating sewer line records in relation to the gas lines while Michels Corporation will handle the main pipeline work, followed by Q3 Contracting, which will restore the affected areas.
The seemingly mundane yet essential infrastructure updates are bound to ruffle some feathers among local commuters and residents. CenterPoint Energy has detailed the expected traffic impacts: lane closures on Minnetonka Boulevard, north sidewalk closures, limited parking access, and they've committed to working with those affected to maintain accessibility. During the steel main replacement, drivers should anticipate lane closures, but two-way traffic will be preserved despite the turmoil underneath the asphalt.
For those seeking more information or looking to navigate the maze of construction work, CenterPoint Energy advises residents to check out the project’s web page. They have also extended a line of communication through Gullickson, who can be reached for queries at 612-321-5546 or via email, a move perhaps aimed at preempting local disquietude. "We thank you for your patience as we're upgrading our infrastructure," Gullickson added, in a nod to the potential disturbance the works are expected to cause.
