Residents of the Willowood Dr. neighborhood in Minnetonka should prepare for a series of infrastructure upgrades as CenterPoint Energy sets to kick off a natural gas line replacement project early this August. According to the utility's announcement, the work is planned on Willowood Drive from Woodland Road to Whited Avenue, Wyngate Lane, Fairwood Lane and Drive, Valewood Drive, Whited Avenue, and Lake Rose Circle.

The project is set to start with the installation of corrosion-resistant piping by boring the main underneath one sidewalk on each road. CenterPoint Energy says this upgrade is key to maintaining the reliability and safety of gas services for residents. However, households should be ready for disruption, with service line replacements and reconnections anticipated, depending on the age of the current lines. The firm's specialists are prepared to "either fully replace the service line or reconnect it to the new main," in a bid to modernize the neighborhood's gas infrastructure, as stated in the bulletin.

Adjustments to individual homes will also occur. Technicians will schedule two- to three-hour appointments to transition indoor meters to the outside, which includes relighting any pilot lights after the installation. Following gas work, there will be a temporary phase of backfilled excavated areas with dirt or gravel, preceding the restoration work which will settle the scene with fresh concrete or grass seed planting, as pointed out by CenterPoint Energy.

It may take several weeks before the streets undergo permanent restoration. Residents can expect temporary coverings of dirt or gravel post-upgrade before the final touches of curb appeal are laid down. For those concerned about the construction and its impacts, details and updates on progress can be found on the utility's website. CenterPoint Energy urges patience through the duration of the infrastructure upgrade, and customers are encouraged to reach out via the provided contact details for any inquiries.