Columbia Heights - 40th Avenue NE from University to Central Avenues NE - Project Updates

CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors are anticipating the project’s completion this fall. This spring, Michels Corporation replaced the project’s natural gas mains. In early August, they began connecting the service lines to the new main and moving inside meters outside. So far, they’ve almost finished this work on 40th Avenue NE. Until approximately Friday, September 9, they plan to finish the project’s service line and meter work. During this time, parking will be restricted on both sides of the street in this area. The main crew will closing the north side of 40th Avenue NE from Highway 65 to Van Buren Street NE.

Q3 Contracting has been following Michels Corporation to restore the areas affected by their work. So far, they’ve finished the area from University Avenue NE to Jefferson Street NE as of this week. They will continue to follow Michels Corporation’s crews.

From spring to summer 2022, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors will work in Minneapolis along the following streets: 40th Avenue NE from University Avenue NE to Central Avenue NE; Jefferson Street NE one block south of 40th Avenue NE; Jackson Street NE from 40th to 41st Avenues NE; and Central Avenue NE from 37th to 40th Avenues NE.

While Michels Corporation will replace the natural gas mains, connect the natural gas service lines to the new mains, and move any inside meters outside, Q3 Contracting will restore the areas affected by Michels Corporation’s work.

During this time, lane shifts will occur. Unless otherwise notified, the crews plan to close the following streets at different times: Jackson Street NE from 40th to 41st Avenues NE; Van Buren Street NE just south of 40th Avenue NE; and 5th Street NE just north of 40th Avenue NE. Some sidewalks and parking may be closed where the crews are working.

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 arrives, he will leave a door tag with his contact information to schedule an appointment with him.

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. Areas affected by our work will be restored to their original condition.

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.