Residents of Jordan Neighborhood are poised to see a bevy of construction activity this spring as CenterPoint Energy announced plans for upgrading its natural gas infrastructure. In collaboration with the City of Minneapolis, the project, starting in the first week of April, will focus on Knox Avenue North between North 27th Avenue and North 29th Avenue, according to a bulletin published by CenterPoint Energy, MN.
As the sidewalks are being updated, the crews will ensure residents stay connected to natural gas services, with a typical pace of completing one block per week. Marking the utility lines prior to digging, local public services will be identified with paint and flags, and the company has requested residents to mark any private lines like sprinklers with materials of their choosing.
The heart of this endeavor is the replacement of aging plastic mains with new, modern piping designed to enhance the safety and reliability of gas distribution. CenterPoint Energy's contractors, who will be recognizable by their company identification cards, utilize a technique known as boring to install these new mains under the roadside, keeping any disruptions to a minimum.
When it comes time to relight gas service, postcards will be sent to notify residents ahead of a technician’s visit. "CenterPoint Energy will send a postcard in the mail before the service crew comes on site," outlined the bulletin. Sidewalk panels in front of homes will be removed temporarily during the installation of the new service lines.
The company has also outlined the measures for restoration work, which will follow a few weeks after construction is complete. Temporary fixes will be put in place in the interim to minimize inconvenience. Traffic impacts will include restrictions on street parking, sidewalk closures, and lane shifts, with detailed communication promised as specific impacts become known.
CenterPoint Energy has expressed gratitude for the understanding and patience of the local community amidst the upcoming changes. For more information or to raise queries, residents are directed to visit the company's website or reach out to their communication specialist, Una O’Meara.
