Project Status - Golden Valley, New Hope and Crystal - Winnetka Avenue 2020 Belt Line Project


6/25/2020

Crews from Minnesota Limited, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, are continuing the lane shift on Winnetka Avenue from 10th to Duluth Street.

  • Through traffic will be maintained.
  • Cross roads will remain open until we need to we need to excavate.
  • Residential access will be maintained.
  • Flagging crews have been placed with each crew for working hours.
  • Traffic lights have been placed in flash during working hours and are being placed back in service after hours.

One crew is working at Plymouth and Winnetka Avenues installing the natural gas main and preparing for the vault installation, which will take place on June 29. Another crew is between Wesley Drive and Duluth Street, working north to replace the natural gas main.

On June 30, the crews will pave the east side of Winnetka Avenue from Faribault Avenue to about 400 feet south of Duluth Avenue. They are skipping a 200-foot section at Plymouth Avenue. The milling is scheduled for July 6 and 7 on Winnetka Avenue from Duluth Street to Medicine Lake Road. 



6/19/2020

Natural gas main replacements
This week crews from Michels Corporation continued to replace the natural gas main on Winnetka Avenue from 30th Avenue to Terra Linda Avenue. Traffic control has the two middle lanes closed, reducing the road to a one lane two-way figuration. Next week, the crew will continue to replace the natural gas main on the following cross streets along Winnetka Avenue: 30th Avenue, 29th Avenue, 28th Avenue, and Terra Linda Avenue. Traffic control during this side street work will shift drivers to the opposite side of the road.

Service line connections
The same traffic control will be in place along Winnetka Avenue from 23rd Avenue to Medicine Lake Road. On June 20, the crews will begin connecting the natural gas service lines to the new main. Beginning June 22, there will be a lane shift on the north side of Medicine Lake Road, reducing the east and west traffic to a one-lane two-way configuration. The crews will work in the most northbound lane of Medicine Lake Road. The crews will work on this section of pipe for most if not all of next week.

Paving
From 7 a.m. on June 29 to 6 p.m. on June 30, the crews will pave the east side of Winnetka Avenue from Faribault Street to Duluth Street. Access to properties’ driveways on the east side of Winnetka Avenue will be unavailable during this time. Please find alternate parking. We appreciate your patience as we continue to upgrade our natural gas lines and restore the affected roads for traffic. 



6/17/2020

Michels Corporation’s progress
Last week, crews from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, replaced the natural gas main on Winnetka Avenue from 23rd Avenue N. to Medicine Lake Road and on 23rd Avenue N. east and west of the Winnetka Avenue intersection. Within the next few weeks, the crews will return to this area to connect the natural gas service lines to these new mains.

This week the crews replaced the natural gas main on Winnetka Avenue from 32nd to 30th Avenues. Two-way traffic is shifted and being maintained in the northbound lanes. They are also crossing Medicine Lake Road and working north on Winnetka Avenue N. toward Terra Linda Drive. Then they will connect the new natural gas main to the existing intersecting ones east and west on Medicine Lake Road.  

Next week, the crews will continue south toward Medicine Lake Road, at which point the traffic control will merge with the other crew’s set-up that is working north from Medicine Lake Road.

Minnesota Limited’s progress
Crews from Minnesota Limited, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, are continuing to shift traffic on Winnetka Avenue from 10th Avenue N. to Duluth Street:

  • Through traffic is being maintained. There will be delays.
  • Cross roads will remain open until we need to we need to excavate
  • Residential access is being maintained.
  • Flaggers are being used during working hours.
  • Signal lights are being placed in flash during working hours.



6/10/2020

Beginning tomorrow and lasting for approximately one week, crews from Minnesota Limited, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, will be performing natural gas work at Olympia Avenue and Winnetka Avenue. While northbound and southbound traffic is being maintained on Winnetka Avenue, drivers can’t turn onto or from Olympia Avenue. Detour routes are posted on site. 


6/9/2020

What is a ZEVAC unit?
As part of a comprehensive strategy to minimize methane emissions from its pipeline system, CenterPoint Energy is deploying an innovative new technology called Zero Emission Vacuum and Compressor (ZEVAC). Last week on this project, crews used a ZEVAC unit to remove natural gas from one pipe and transfer it into another. This process avoids the need to release gas into the air. Nearby residents may hear some additional noise from the ZEVAC unit’s operation. For more information on ZEVAC and its benefits, please click here.
 
CenterPoint Energy was on the news!
CenterPoint Energy’s crews were a part of CCX Media's highlights in Golden Valley last week, showing the ZEVAC in action. Click here to see the video “CenterPoint Energy’s Cool New Machine at Work on Winnetka Avenue Pipeline Project.”



6/8/2020

This week crews from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, plan on completing a few road crossings that will be east to west across Winnetka Avenue. These crossings will require flaggers. The crews will also activate the new main from 23rd Avenue N. to Medicine Lake Road at the end of the week of June 15.

The crews are also working on 23rd Avenue N. east of Winnetka Avenue N. 



6/4/2020

Crews from Minnesota Limited, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, are continuing the lane shifts on the following roads until Monday, June 8:

  • Winnetka Avenue N. and Medicine Lake Road
  • 10th Avenue N. and Rhode Island Avenue N.
  • Plymouth Avenue west of Winnetka Avenue N.

Paving in these areas is scheduled for June 5. Through traffic will be maintained.

The crews are also continuing a lane shift on Winnetka Avenue N. from 10th Avenue N. to Duluth Street:

  • Through traffic will be maintained.
  • The cross roads will remain open until the crews need to work in them.
  • Residential access will be maintained.
  • Today on June 4, the crews will begin replacing the natural gas main and removing the existing one.
  • Beginning June 5, the crews will have flaggers to assist construction and traffic.



5/29/2020

Crews from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, have closed 23rd Avenue N. west of Winnetka Avenue N. This closure is anticipated to remain in place for a couple of weeks. Two-way traffic is being maintained northbound and southbound on Winnetka Avenue N. at this intersection.

The crews are continuing to replace the natural gas main on Winnetka Avenue N. with a lane shift. They are also continuing to locate existing underground utilities with utility flags in areas where they will soon be working. 



5/28/2020

  • Crews from Minnesota Limited, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, are continuing a lane shift on Winnetka Avenue N. and Medicine Lake Road for approximately two weeks.
  • Beginning on June 1 and lasting for approximately one week, the crews will put up a lane shift on 10th Avenue N. and Rhode Island Avenue. This closure will allow for the natural gas work and for restoration.
  • Beginning on June 1 and lasting for approximately two weeks, the crews will put up a lane shift on Plymouth Avenue west of Winnetka Avenue. This closure will allow for the natural gas work and for restoration.
  • Beginning on June 1, the crews will put a lane shift on Winnetka Avenue from 10th Avenue N. to Duluth Street. Through traffic will be maintained with a lane shift. Delays will occur. Cross roads will remain open until the crews need to excavate in them. Residential access will be maintained. Sections of the road will be reopened at a time. 



5/27/2020

Crews from Minnesota Limited, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, will begin Phase 3 of the Winnetka Avenue 2020 Belt Line Project in the week of June 1. They will begin replacing the second of two natural gas mains at 10th Avenue N., working north to Duluth Avenue N. In this stretch, they will work here for a few months before moving further north.

During this time, the crews will maintain two-way traffic with a lane shift and sidewalk closure where active construction is occurring. 



5/22/2020

Crews from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, have replaced the natural gas main on Winnetka Avenue’s project route north of 36th Avenue NE and on 36th Avenue NE. The traffic control devices are removed except for a lane closure just north of 36th Avenue NE.

In the week of May 25 after Memorial Day, the crews will continue to replace the natural gas main on Winnetka Avenue toward 32nd Avenue NE. There will be a lane shift on Winnetka Avenue in this area. There will be no left turns out of 35th Avenue NE, and the crews will close Win Park Drive.

Also in the week of May 25 after Memorial Day, the crews will begin connecting the natural gas service lines to the new main, following the main crew’s route. (See our entry below on 5/21/2020.)



5/21/2020

Phase 2: Winnetka Ave. between 23rd and 42nd Avenues N.: This phase is scheduled to begin in the week of May 26 after Memorial Day and last for several weeks. The crews will connect natural gas service lines to the new mains: 

As social distancing practices and proper use of PPE, face masks and gloves have become normalized and as customers are willing to allow properly protected personnel into their homes to complete required work to modernize gas facilities, which is essential work, CenterPoint Energy authorized contractors will enter customer homes to complete work only with customer permission. Please see our flyer here: 


The purpose of our flyer is to advise that with customer permission, crews will now enter homes to complete necessary gas meter work. If you choose not to allow crews to enter your home, gas service will not be interrupted, and we will reschedule for a time better suited to concerns you may have. Crews will continue to replace service lines. Crews may have to dig in the ground on your property in the utility easement and next to your home to complete the task of service line replacement.


5/15/2020

Crews from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, are continuing to replace the natural gas main on Winnetka Avenue from 40th to 37th Avenues N. Currently the crews have shifted two-way traffic into the northbound lanes.

In the week of May 18, the crews will continue working in this area until they’ve connected the new main to the existing intersecting ones. Then they’ll continue moving south to 35th Avenue N. and Winpark Drive with their main replacement. Two-way traffic will be maintained while the crews work in the middle lanes.



5/8/2020

Until approximately May 12, crews from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, are continuing to replace the natural gas main at the intersection of Winnetka Avenue and 36th Avenue N. Although four-way traffic will be maintained during construction, drivers should be aware that the intersection configuration will change and should take precautions when in the area. By May 12, crews from Q3 Contracting, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, plan to restore the intersection.

In the week of May 11, the crews will connect the new natural gas main on Winnetka Avenue at the intersections of 40th Avenue, Quebec Avenue, 38 1/2 Avenue, and 37th Avenue. Drivers should anticipate multiple lane shifts, which are possible to change daily as the crew works on different intersections. Traffic will be reduced to a one-lane, two-way configuration, at the same time being shifted to the opposite side of the work area.



5/1/2020

This week and into the week of May 4, crews from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, are continuing to replace the natural gas main at the intersection of Winnetka Avenue and 36th Avenue N. Although four-way traffic will be maintained during construction, drivers should be aware that the intersection configuration will change and should take precautions when in the area. 

In the week of May 4, the crews will add more traffic limitations to the intersection, continuing to maintain four-way traffic. Some turning lanes will be limited during this time. 



4/29/2020

Installing replacement gas mains: According to the Governor of Minnesota’s order, gas main replacement is an essential work function. This allows for the modernization of related gas facilities. The gas main work requires excavations in various locations in the right-of-way (front yard) to facilitate the installation work.
 
Connecting service lines to the new mains: As social distancing practices and proper use of PPE, face masks and gloves have become normalized and as customers are willing to allow properly protected personnel into their homes to complete required work to modernize gas facilities, which is essential work, CenterPoint Energy authorized contractors will enter customer homes to complete work only with customer permission. Please see our flyer here: 


The purpose of our flyer is to advise that with customer permission, crews will now enter homes to complete necessary gas meter work. If you choose not to allow crews to enter your home, gas service will not be interrupted, and we will reschedule for a time better suited to concerns you may have. Crews will continue to replace service lines. Crews may have to dig in the ground on your property in the utility easement and next to your home to complete the task of service line replacement.



4/24/2020

Crews from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, replaced the natural gas main on Winnetka Avenue from 42nd to 36th Avenues N. Currently the crews have a lane shift on Winnetka Avenue from 38th ½ Avenue N. to Win Park Drive.

Next week the crew is planning on crossing the intersection of Winnetka Avenue and 36th Avenue N. to replace the natural gas main. Although four-way traffic will be maintained during construction, drivers should be aware that the intersection configuration will change and to take precautions when in the area. 



4/17/2020

Crews from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, are replacing natural gas main on Winnetka Avenue from 42nd to 37th Avenues N. In the week of April 20, the crews will remove the traffic control devices from 42nd to 40th Avenues N. and set up the devices from 40th to a couple hundred feet south of 36th Avenue N. While the crews work on these blocks, two-way traffic will be maintained with lane shifts. 


4/9/2020

Crews from Michels Corporation, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, are continuing to replace natural gas main on Winnetka Avenue. Currently the crews are between 38th ½ Avenue and 40th Avenue and will continue to work here into the week of April 13. Two-way traffic is being maintained with a lane shift in this area. The crews are working south toward Medicine Lake Road. 



3/19/2020

Where, when, and why is CenterPoint Energy performing construction?

This project is a continuation of CenterPoint Energy’s Belt Line project in Minnesota, which began in 2012 and will continue until approximately 2022. The Belt Line system is a series of natural gas distribution mains along routes from Brooklyn Center to Bloomington and from Golden Valley to Minneapolis.

From March 30 to November 2020, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor will be performing work on CenterPoint Energy’s Winnetka Avenue Belt Line Project. Work will take place on Winnetka Avenue between 10th and 42nd Avenues N. and will occur in four phases rather than all at once: 
 
Phase 1: Winnetka Ave. from 23rd to 42nd Avenues N in the cities of Golden Valley, New Hope and Crystal: This phase will occur from March 30 to approx. late April/early May. It consists of installing the first of the project’s two mains with new modern materials. The installation will allow room for the second main, mentioned in Phase 3, to be installed. Two-way traffic will be maintained with a lane closure in this area. In Crystal, New Hope and Golden Valley, construction will start on March 30.

According to the Governor of Minnesota’s order, gas main replacement is an essential work function. This allows for the modernization of related gas facilities. The gas main work requires excavations in various locations in the right-of-way (front yard) to facilitate the installation work. 
 
Phase 2: Winnetka Ave. between 23rd and 42nd Avenues N.: This phase is tentatively scheduled to begin in late April/early May and last for several weeks, depending on updates related to COVID-19. The phase consists of connecting the individual customer gas service lines to the first of the project’s mains. This may include service line replacement and relocating gas meters from inside the home to outside.

Due to coronavirus concerns, CenterPoint Energy is delaying work that requires entering customer homes, such moving gas meters outside. Gas service will not be interrupted. Crews will continue to replace service lines. A new service line will be replaced from the new main up to the resident’s home where the outside meter would be placed. (If the meter is outside, the service line will be connected to it.) Crews may have to dig in the ground on your property in the utility easement and next to your home to complete the task of service line replacement.
 
Phase 3: Winnetka Ave. between 10th and 42nd Avenues N.: This phase will occur from June 1 to late October. It consists of replacing the second of the project’s mains under the east side of the road in the same location. Crews will be working on one to two blocks at a time for one to two weeks per block. Two-way traffic will be maintained with a lane closure in this area.
 
Phase 4: Crews from CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, Q3 Contracting, will restore the areas affected by CenterPoint Energy’s work outside the city’s and county’s construction zones—typically the boulevard, sidewalks and lawns.

What is CenterPoint Energy’s mission, and how can I contact CenterPoint Energy?

At CenterPoint Energy, we are committed to providing timely and relevant information to our customers and the general public to minimize inconvenience or disruption due to our construction activities. CNP has provided safe, clean and efficient natural gas service to Minnesota communities for more than 145 years. We are proud of this record and strive to improve it by educating the public about the benefits of natural gas at CenterPointEnergy.com/BeSafe.

Updates will be posted on this Project Status page. For any questions, you can contact one of the following resources:

Communication Specialist
  • 612-321-5546
Restoration Questions

Please reference the project name or numbers 88519248, 90350865 or 90350999 when calling. We appreciate your business and look forward to continuing to serve you. Thank you very much.