Credit River - John Deere Drive Neighborhood - Project Updates

CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors, Michels Corporation and Q3 Contracting, anticipate finishing the 2022 portion of the project’s work in late December. Crews from Michels Corporation plan to finish the project’s natural gas work in the week of December 12. Q3 Contracting has been putting down winter erosion control on the areas affected by construction. This includes straw mats on boulevards. In 2023, Q3 Contracting will return for permanent restoration, which includes black dirt and grass seed. We appreciate your patience and wish you a great holiday season!

Beginning on Monday, October 31, lasting into late November, and potentially resuming in spring 2023, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors will work in Credit River along select streets between Johanna Drive and Texas Avenue and between 170th Street E. and Flemming Circle.

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. Lane and parking closures may occur. For a limited duration at a time that is to be determined, the crew plans to close John Deere Drive just south of 170th Street E.

Michels Corporation plans to replace all the project’s mains this year. Although they plan to work on all the service lines and meters this year, they may work on some next year, depending on weather and the crews’ progress.

Areas affected by our work will be restored to their original condition. Depending on the weather, Q3 Contracting may put down temporary restoration, such as asphalt on previously concrete surfaces and winter erosion control on boulevards and lawns, before returning in 2023 for permanent restoration.

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.