Getting around Lake Street may soon be less of a headache as CenterPoint Energy crews are making strides in their work alongside the Metro Transit’s B-Line Project. CenterPoint Energy’s contractor, Michels Corporation, is in the thick of replacing the natural gas infrastructure, aimed at bringing a more reliable service to the residents and easing the everyday life of businesses, which, by the way, are still open for your cash.
The hefty job of inserting a new steel main on Lake Street stretching from James Avenue S to Dupont Avenue S is on schedule to be wrapped up by the tail end of May or early June, though Metro Transit gets the final say on when the roads are a go, this project is part of a sweeping move to upgrade the city's aging pipes, and the installation has meant partial road closures—they're wrapping up a primary section any day now. Simultaneously, on the pedestrian front, a separate team is rolling out a plastic main under the sidewalk on the same stretch, those fine folks aim to complete their bit of the overhaul within the first two weeks of June.
If the sight of meters indoors always strikes you as odd, rejoice because CenterPoint Energy is flipping the switch and taking them outside. The company's ants are busy reconnecting customers’ service lines to the fresh main and making sure these meters are no longer houseguests; they just finished with the south side and now they've taken to the north. In June, watch as they set their sights east by Hennepin Avenue, with a brief James Avenue S. closure planned from May 28 until June 1 to link up the old and the new.
Never fear if this feels like a maze, another crew is all ears and at your service setting appointments to transition those inside meters outside, and guess what, they're tossing in some new service lines to sweeten the deal while meandering between Drew Avenue S. and Hiawatha Avenue, they're currently taking over Colfax Avenue S. and carving eastwards on Lake Street, expecting to hustle through the summer provided customers play along, and their crew tally doesn’t drop. Traffic may get a bit snug with lane and parking restrictions, and sidewalk ballet, but cars will keep on cruising down Lake Street.
Curiosity piqued? CenterPoint Energy’s got you covered. Full details and the latest on these downtown trench warriors’ progress are up for grabs on their website. And if that burning question just can't wait, dial up their Communication Specialist at 612-321-5546 or drop a line to [email protected]. Your patience and safety chops during this infrastructural ballet are much appreciated!
