Minneapolis – 17th Avenue S. from 38th Street E. to Minnehaha Parkway E.
Scheduled Start Date: April 4, 2022
- If you contact CenterPoint Energy for any questions, please reference the project’s name or the numbers 96075898 for the replacement of the first natural gas main and 96821904 for replacement of the second natural gas main.
What will CenterPoint Energy do?
From Monday, April 4 to fall 2022, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors will work in Minneapolis along 17th Avenue S. between 38th Street E. and Minnehaha Parkway E. While Michels Corporation will replace two natural gas mains, connect the natural gas service lines to the first of the new mains, and move any inside residential meters outside, Q3 Contracting will restore the areas affected by Michels Corporation’s work.
The first natural gas main is small-diameter plastic that is typically bored underground. The second main is large-diameter steel. Since the crews weld the pieces of the pipe together, the steel main replacement requires open excavation and takes longer to install than the small-diameter plastic main. Time spent on each block will vary due to the size of the block, the steel offsets, the restoration preparation, and the weather. Restoration will follow the steel main work.
What are the anticipated traffic impacts?
There will be four separate crews, one for each phase of the project. Each crew plans to set up their own traffic plan and parking restrictions, removing their signs when their work is done. This may happen before another crew sets up their own traffic signs. Our website will be updated on the crews’ progress.
Phases 1, 2, and 4: During the replacement of the first main, the service line connections and meter work, and the restoration, the crews will set up lane shifts, parking restrictions, and a sidewalk closure on the east side of 17th Avenue S.
Phase 3: As the crews work on a few blocks at a time, they plan to close these blocks to through traffic. Parking on the road will be restricted in areas of active construction. Flaggers may be on site to help traffic flow. The crews will help residents maintain access. Access to the alleys will remain open. The crews plan to close the eastern sidewalk along 17th Avenue S.
We apologize for the inconvenience as we upgrade our natural gas lines. We hope to make the construction process run smoothly and efficiently.
Two intersections closed for approx. two weeks each
A crew from Minnesota Limited is returning to the project site to install a regulator post and a regulator vault. The post will be at 17th Avenue S. and 43rd Street E. The vault will be at 14th Avenue S. and 39th Street E. Both regulators will be located within the boulevard.
From
Monday, November 28 to approximately Thursday, December 8, the crew will close the intersection of 17th Avenue S. and 43rd Street E. From
Monday, December 12 to approximately Friday, December 23, the crew plans to close the intersection of 14th Avenue S. and 39th Street E. When each intersection is closed, detour signs will lead through traffic to the next block over. Driveways will remain open. Some sidewalks will be closed at the intersections. Parking will be closed in these areas.
Because of weather, Q3 Contracting, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, will put down winter restoration on the areas affected by Minnesota Limited’s work. This includes temporary asphalt on areas that were previously concrete and hydroseed, hydromulch, or straw blankets on any affected boulevards. In spring 2023, the crew 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 with them.
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.
What should I expect during permanent soft surface restoration?
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.
