Residents of Edina should prepare for upcoming construction as CenterPoint Energy has announced a major infrastructure upgrade to the local natural gas system. According to an update from the company, work will commence on July 21 on Dakota Trail and will impact connected streets for up to two months. This project will happen in tandem with the City of Edina's paving efforts.
CenterPoint Energy has warned of potential disruptions, including street parking restrictions, sidewalk closures, and possible lane shifts. The precise impact on traffic will be communicated as details emerge. The first phase will involve locating sewer laterals, which is a mandatory safety step before construction begins, expecting contractors to snoop around properties for sewer lines that link to the main street line, as per the bulletin published by CenterPoint Energy.
As part of the preparation, the utility will be marking public underground utilities. Homeowners have been encouraged to mark any private lines, like sprinkler systems or dog fences, to avoid any damage during construction. A CenterPoint Energy postcard will precede the arrival of crews on site, with technicians setting appointments to relight gas services to properties.
The upgrade involves replacing aging plastic mains with modern alternatives, aiming for increased safety and reliability in the gas distribution system. Each natural gas crew, working block by block, will dig holes and bore new service lines, taking at least a week per block. During the transition, temporary backfill may be used until permanent restoration can occur, which includes fixing roads and sidewalks affected by the work, usually a few weeks after construction completes.
CenterPoint Energy has expressed appreciation for customer patience during these improvements, emphasizing the benefits of enhanced safety and reliability for the energy supplied. For those with questions or concerns, the company has made available further details on their website and a communication specialist's contact, Una O'Meara, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 612-542-6198.
