Residents of the Como Neighborhood of Minneapolis are set to see upgrades to their natural gas infrastructure starting June 5, as CenterPoint Energy begins a project to enhance safety and improve the reliability of their gas distribution. The initiative includes the replacement of aging plastic gas mains as well as service line and meter work, according to a bulletin from CenterPoint Energy.
Contractors on behalf of CenterPoint will first locate sewer laterals to ensure safety before the main construction activities kick off. Public utilities will also be marked with spray paint and flags, so homeowners are encouraged, to mark any private lines such as sprinklers or dog fences to prevent any disruptions to those services. The main work involves modern plastic piping being installed by boring underneath one side of the road, which could lead to temporary disruptions in some intersections due to dirt or gravel backfills.
Communication about the project's progression will be proactive, with CenterPoint Energy planning to mail out postcards to residents ahead of service crews' arrival. They will also coordinate appointments for re-establishing gas service to properties, with an estimated one block being completed by a natural gas crew each week. According to the company’s communication, "One natural gas crew typically completes one block per week."
Traffic is expected to be impacted by the construction, with likely restrictions on street-parking, closures of one sidewalk at a time, and lane shifts. However, utility crews are committed to maintaining accessibility to homes throughout the process,, specific traffic impacts and other (sic) related changes will be communicated as they become known. Residents can expect to see full restoration of roads, sidewalks, boulevards, and lawns a few weeks following the completion of the construction.
For those Como residents needing more information or looking to voice their questions, CenterPoint Energy provides a contact — Una O'Meara, available via email at [email protected] or by phone at 612-542-6198. Further details about the construction process and the impact on the neighborhood can be found on the utility's website. Residents are thanked for their patience and understanding as the company works on replacing the infrastructure.
