Residents of Minnetonka can expect to spot the crews from CenterPoint Energy in their neighborhood this summer as the company embarks on an upgrade of the plastic natural gas mains and service lines in central Minnetonka. The project, slated to begin "as early as June 16" and expected to wrap up by early August, is part of a broader initiative to bolster the safety and reliability of the city's energy supply, as per CenterPoint Energy's announcement.
Before the excavation and installation begin, contractors will be scouring for sewer laterals as a precaution, an effort detailed in the same announcement. CenterPoint emphasized the importance of this measure, requiring it for securing safety prior to the commencement of construction. The public will notice the layout of spray paint and flags marking public utilities, with the hope that homeowners will likewise mark private installations like sprinklers or dog fences.
According to the same company source, plastic mains that have served their time will be replaced with new plastic piping. The technique used will be boring underneath the side of the roads to reduce disturbance. Despite the extensive work, residents should maintain access to their homes, albeit with possible restrictions on street parking, lane shifts, and some sidewalk closures.
Post-completion, attention will turn to restoring roads, sidewalks, and lawns impacted by these upgrades. This stage is projected to follow a few weeks after construction ends, with temporary fix-ups in place until then. Traffic implications are to be detailed as the project dates approach.
For Minnetonkans with burning questions or concerns, CenterPoint encourages reaching out to their Communication Specialist via email at [email protected] or by phone at 612-542-6198. More information on this project's steps and the potential impact on residents is available on CenterPoint's website. The energy provider finishes on a note of appreciation, thanking customers for their patience during these infrastructure improvements.
