Minneapolis's Webber-Camden neighborhood is slated for a natural gas infrastructure upgrade, with CenterPoint Energy detailing a two-and-a-half-month project set to begin on June 11, 2025. According to a report by CenterPoint Energy, the initiative will focus on the installation of modern gas mains, meter moves, and service line replacements to improve safety and reliability for the community.
The construction, which is expected to run through the end of August, will take place on North Penn Avenue between North 44th Avenue and North 33rd Avenue. Residents whose properties are within the outlined area and are thus affected by the project will receive additional notice before construction begins on their street. CenterPoint Energy's contractors will first identify sewer laterals, an integral safety measure required before any such work is started. "CenterPoint Energy will locate public underground utilities," as they stated in their announcement.
Work on public utilities is a routine safety precaution, typically marked with a combination of spray paint and flags. Homeowners are requested to mark any private utility lines, such as sprinklers or invisible dog fences, with easily distinguishable materials to avoid accidental damage during the construction process. Once natural gas main work commences, it will involve replacing older plastic mains with updated plastic piping using a boring method under one side of the road, though temporary backfill may be used until permanent restoration can be completed.
As for service line and meter work, customers can expect to receive a postcard in the mail before the scheduled service crew arrives. Crews will coordinate with residents for appointments to manage the transition of inside meters to the outside, or to replace and connect service lines to the new mains. After construction, roadways, sidewalks, and lawns impacted by the work will be restored, with temporary measures in place to ensure the area remains liveable in the meantime. CenterPoint Energy assures, "Restoration is typically on site a few weeks after the completion of all other construction."
During the upgrade, local traffic will be affected with street parking restrictions, one sidewalk closure at a time, and possible lane shifts. CenterPoint has committed to communicating specific traffic impacts as they materialize and will collaborate with residents to ensure access to their homes is maintained. For further information about the construction's effect on the neighborhood, residents can reach out to the CenterPoint Energy Communication Specialist or visit their website for a more detailed explanation.
