Residents and visitors of Loring Park should prepare for upcoming construction as CenterPoint Energy announced major upgrades to the area's natural gas infrastructure, set to kick off on June 30, 2025. The utility company detailed on its website that the work would span Yale Place, South 12 Street, and parts of East Grant Street, with expected completion within a month. These improvements are aligned with the Minneapolis Public Works' mission to enhance pedestrian accessibility in the park.
The project's timing, as revealed in the CenterPoint Energy bulletin announcement, coincides with local events; however, CenterPoint Energy has committed to clearing construction from the site by June 26 to accommodate the anticipated Twin Cities Pride Festival if schedule changes lead to an overlap. Contracting teams will be visible during this period, and residents might interact with them, in which case they are urged to request identification from anyone claiming to represent the company before allowing them entrance into their homes.
In advance of the actual construction, utility personnel will mark public underground utilities for safety, using spray paint and flags, and residents with private lines such as sprinklers or dog fences are asked to mark these themselves. The update also explains the replacement of aging plastic mains with new piping to improve the safety and reliability of the gas distribution network, with some temporary restorations like dirt or gravel filling interim periods. Property owners should expect at least some sidewalk disruptions and corresponding restorations as a standard part of the process.
CenterPoint Energy is also communicating specifics about traffic implications, including parking restrictions and lane shifts, which will be shared in more detail as they develop, maintaining access for local residents despite the disruptions. The company expressed gratitude for customer patience, encouraging those with questions to contact their Communication Specialist at [email protected] or by calling 612-542-6198, and for more detailed information, their website stands as a point of reference for those interested in the construction definitions and practices.
