Northeast Minneapolis residents should brace for a summer of construction as CenterPoint Energy gears up to enhance the local natural gas infrastructure. Beginning July 7, 2025, and continuing through fall, the company will be upgrading gas mains and meters as well as service lines across multiple streets in the Northeast communities. This project aims to improve the overall safety and reliability of gas services in the area, according to an announcement they made.
CenterPoint has partnered with various contractors to carry out the construction work, who will be in the area and may contact residents throughout the process. The initial phase will see contractors locating sewer laterals, which is a safety measure mandated before construction can begin. Residents can expect to see public utilities marked with flags or spray paint; homeowners are responsible for marking any private lines such as sprinklers or dog fences. If marking is needed, handy materials like wooden sticks or flags can be used.
The crux of this infrastructure upgrade centers around the replacement of aging plastic gas mains with modern plastic piping, ensuring a safer and more reliable gas distribution network. Much of the involved work, including the replacement of plastic main, involves boring under one side of the road, which may lead to temporary backfills of dirt or gravel at some intersections. Completing service lines and meter replacements, crews will inform customers in advance through postcard notifications and will coordinate with homeowners for any necessary meter relocations.
Restoration efforts will follow the construction, restoring roads, sidewalks, and residential landscapes affected by the work. These restoration activities are slated to commence a few weeks after project completion. Until then, temporary measures will maintain the livability of the affected areas. Traffic impacts will be minimal but could include street parking restrictions and lane shifts. The utility crews have committed to work with local residents to ensure access to their homes remains uninterrupted.
For those with inquiries or who seek further details on the construction process and its impacts, CenterPoint Energy encourages contacting Una O'Meara, their Communication Specialist, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 612-542-6198. Additional information is also accessible on the company's website, which houses a comprehensive guide on the construction definitions and restoration practices related to this project. CenterPoint Energy has expressed gratitude for the patience and understanding of their customers as they work to replace and enhance the natural gas infrastructure.
