Belle Plaine – North of Highway 169
Scheduled Start Date: Early August 2021
- If you contact CenterPoint Energy for any questions, please reference the project’s name or numbers 97045647 and 97046191.
What will CenterPoint Energy do?
Beginning in early August and lasting into fall 2021, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors will work in Belle Plaine along the following streets:- The alley between Market, Willow, Prairie and Main Streets
- Willow Street S. between Main and Park Streets
- Meridian Street S. between Main and Park Streets
- Chestnut Street S. between Main and South Streets (Commerce Drive)
- Cedar Street S. between Church and Raven Streets
- Walnut Street S. between Main and Raven Streets
- Prairie Street between Willow and Walnut Streets S.
- Park Street between Market and Meridian Streets S.
- Raven Street between Meridian and Walnut Streets
- Walnut Street between Main and Raven Streets
- Elm, Linden and Ash Streets S. between Prairie Street and Commerce Drive
This project is a continuation of last year’s natural gas line replacement project, which happened north of Main Street and west of Walnut Street. While Michels Corporation will replace the natural gas mains, connect the natural gas service lines to the new mains, and move any inside residential meters outside, Q3 Contracting will restore the areas affected by Michels Corporation’s work.
For most of the project’s duration, lane, parking and sidewalk closures will occur. The crews will close the alleys one at a time when the crews put the existing natural gas mains out of service.
What is CenterPoint Energy’s COVID-19 protocol?
The construction crews and personnel will continue to use the
Covid-19 Customer Permission Flyer, which requests customer permission prior to entering homes. Personnel, contractors and CenterPoint Energy employees will continue to practice CDC guidelines regarding social distancing, sanitary practices and wearing face masks when entering customer homes.
What if I have an inside gas meter?
The customer will receive a CenterPoint Energy postcard in the mail typically within one or two weeks prior to the day when the Michels Corporation crews will perform the work. The crews will have CenterPoint Energy-authorized photo IDs stating that they are employees of Michels Corporation.
After the customer receives the postcard, the foreman will arrive at the customer’s house to schedule an appointment that typically meets with the customer’s schedule. If the customer isn’t home when they arrive, they will leave a door tag with their contact information to schedule an appointment.
Customers are advised to set aside a two- to four-hour time frame for the inside-to-outside gas meter move. They are also advised to mark their privately-installed utilities such as dog fences or sprinklers. Marking can be accomplished with tools such as spray paint or utility flags.
The foreman will access the natural gas meter inside the house, move the meter outside, and relight the natural gas appliance pilot lights after the new meter has been relocated. Customers with outside meters will be notified prior to the replacement or connection of the service lines to the new mains.
What should I expect for winter erosion control in fall 2021?
A crew from Q3 Contracting will follow to put winter erosion control on the areas affected by construction. On any excavations in boulevards and lawns, they will backfill with dirt and netting. In spring 2022, they will return with black dirt and seed.
The roads and sidewalks will be restored to their original condition. We appreciate your patience as we upgrade our natural gas lines, ensuring system reliability for years to come.
What should I expect during permanent restoration for soft ground in 2022?
On the soft surfaces such as boulevards and lawns, various erosion control measures keep the restored area moist, hold seed in the soil, and enhance seed germination. If an erosion blanket is needed it is secured in place with staples. The mesh is a wood fiber that will completely degrade. Prior to mowing the restored area, remove any loose staples that secured the blanket.
