Residents in Minneapolis' Bryn Mawr neighborhood are seeing advances in infrastructure upgrades as crews work to install a new natural gas main along several streets. Michels Corporation, a contractor authorized by CenterPoint Energy, has been busy under the east sidewalks on Upton Avenue S. and Thomas Avenue S., with the work progressing between Chestnut Avenue W. and Laurel Avenue W. According to CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota, temporary backfill is now covering these excavations until a second crew arrives to connect customer service lines and meters at a later date.
With the weather dictating the schedule, residents were advised to expect the ongoing installation of the gas main near Upton Avenue S. at Cedar Lake Road, which allowed for parking on Upton Avenue S. Notably, connections of the new main on Thomas Avenue S. to the existing mains at Chestnut and Laurel Avenues were planned for Thursday, August 22, prompting restrictions on parking at specific addresses during that time. The progress is subject to change, but for now, the community is witnessing substantial development in their local energy infrastructure.
Along Laurel Avenue W., similar efforts are underway with a crew installing a natural gas main under the north sidewalk. Traffic flow is being maintained with the help of flaggers, though the crew's presence will necessitate sidewalk closures. "During this time, Sheridan Avenue S. will remain open for northbound and southbound traffic," the release outlined, detailing disruptions from Thursday, August 22 to Friday, August 23, where detour signs will redirect traffic due to temporary road closures.
Meanwhile, parking restrictions have been communicated for Sheridan Avenue S. from Mondays through Fridays during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to facilitate gas main installations. There's also activity on Penn Avenue S., where another crew from Michels Corporation will be handling service line and meter work starting Wednesday, August 21. Despite the potential for sidewalk closures, two-way traffic is expected to continue, "one sidewalk will be closed at a time with the opposite sidewalk open."
For residents seeking more information on the upgrades or who find themselves needing to make inquiries, CenterPoint Energy has made provisions for communication. "Check out our website for more details and for updates on the crews’ progress," the company encourages, providing both contact information for their Communication Specialist and assurances of their commitment to enhancing local infrastructure.
