Long Prairie – West of Venewitz Creek


Scheduled Start Date: November 8, 2021

CNP Map of Long Prairie.png

  • If you contact CenterPoint Energy for any questions, please reference the project’s name or number 97174030.


What will CenterPoint Energy do?

This fall 2021 and spring 2022, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors will work in Long Prairie along the following streets:

  • The alley from 5th to 3rd Streets SW between 1st and 2nd Avenues SW
  • 2nd Avenue SW from 5th to 6th Streets SW
  • 3rd Avenue SW from 1st to 6th Streets SW
  • 5th Street SW from 2nd Avenue SW to the alley between 1st and 2nd Avenues SW
  • 3rd Street SW from 1st to 2nd Avenues SW
  • 1st Street SW from 1st to 3rd Avenues SW

This November and December, 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. Parking, lane, sidewalk, and alley closures may occur. The crews will work with residents on maintaining access.

Q3 Contracting will restore the areas affected by Michels Corporation’s work. This fall, they will temporarily restore the affected areas with winter erosion control. The boulevard will be backfilled with dirt and protected with straw matting. In spring 2022, they will return for permanent restoration.


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 restoration?

A crew from Q3 Contracting will put down winter erosion control on the areas affected by construction. The hard surfaces will have temporary asphalt, including those that were previously concrete. In spring 2022, the crews will restore them to their original condition. On any excavations in boulevards and lawns, they will backfill with dirt and place netting over these areas.

In spring 2022, they will return with black dirt and seed. 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.

For photo examples, please visit our Restoration Practices page.