Residents in Minnetonka should brace for some inconveniences starting early May, as CenterPoint Energy commences a four-month project to upgrade the natural gas infrastructure along Minnetonka Boulevard, stretching from Tonkawood Road to Williston Road. This endeavor is synchronous with the city's Minnetonka Boulevard Trail Project and aims to boost the safety and reliability of the energy supplied to the community.
The utility work will involve the replacement of aging plastic mains with modern alternatives, while a large diameter steel gas main will require trenching in the road, according to details provided by CenterPoint Energy. Homeowners can expect temporary disruptions, including noise, vibrations, and dust. While the construction might be a source of disturbance, the company promises protective measures such as clear marking of utilities and preemptive identification by contractors.
CenterPoint Energy has committed to keeping the affected locals informed throughout the construction process. They plan to mark all public underground utilities for safety and have asked residents to mark privately installed lines like sprinklers or dog fences to avoid any damage. As part of the service line and meter work, they will send postcards to schedule appointments for gas service relighting, and those with inside meters will be contacted for moving them outside.
As for traffic, Minnetonka Boulevard will shrink down to a single lane with flaggers directing the flow, while Tonkawood Road will see a brief closure with a detour available. Restoration work on roads, sidewalks, and lawns will commence a few weeks after the completion of the construction, although a temporary fix will be in place during the project duration to maintain the area’s livability.
Those with questions or concerns regarding the project can find additional information and resources on CenterPoint Energy’s website. For more details, updates pertaining to specific traffic impacts, and any further inquiries, locals are encouraged to reach out to CenterPoint Energy’s Communication Specialist through the provided contact channel on their bulletin page.
