Residents of Madelia, brace yourselves for the coming months of construction as CenterPoint Energy embarks on a significant natural gas infrastructure update. Starting April 21, aging pipes will be replaced alongside the city's road work, but don't sweat the cost – it's on the house. According to a recent release, CenterPoint Energy will overhaul natural gas mains using modern materials to bolster safety and service consistency.
Preempting jackhammers and backhoes, you'll notice public underground utilities flagged by CenterPoint. For those with private lines, like your pet's electric fence or your sprinkler system, slap on some marking of your own. Expect to see CenterPoint contractors in the neighborhood; these individuals will carry identification cards. In fact, don't even consider letting someone in your home without checking their ID, as the company emphasizes in their announcement.
The main work involves swapping tired plastic mains for fresh ones that'll be bored in under roadsides, minimizing road obstruction. But when it comes to steel mains, things get down and dirty with trenches. "Typical impacts of steel main construction include noise, vibrations, and dust," reports the bulletin. Not all intersections will be pristinely restored immediately, as crews may leave temporary fills like dirt or gravel in the interim.
Don't forget the sidewalks and your gas meter – they're in for a shuffle as well. You'll get a heads-up through the mail when it's time for a tech to come by and reignite your gas line, as the crews will be marching down one block per week. CenterPoint adds, "The crew will make appointments with residents to move inside meters outside." So when you notice your outside meter being replaced, expect a call for scheduling. Road and sidewalk use might be dicey with shifted lanes and parking restrictions – specifics will come down the pike closer to the construction dates.
Once the dust settles and the last of the machinery rumbles away, CenterPoint will address restoration. Within weeks following construction's end, sidewalks, lawns, and boulevards marred by the work will get TLC. But in the meantime, it's makeshift fixes to keep life moving along.
Questions or concerns about the construction? You can reach out to CenterPoint Energy's Communication Specialist via email at [email protected] or give a ring at 612-542-6198 for more deets. And for a deep dive into what's coming down the pipeline (pun intended), head over to their website.
