Minneapolis – 1st and 3rd Avenues NE
Scheduled Start Date: April 4, 2022
- If you contact CenterPoint Energy for any questions, please reference the project’s name or the numbers 101019576 for the first main replacement and the service line work, or 96439333 for the second main replacement.
What will CenterPoint Energy do?
From Monday, April 4 into summer or fall 2022, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors will work in Minneapolis along the following streets:- 3rd Avenue NE from Main Street NE to 7th Street NE
- 1st Avenue NE from Main Street NE to 6th Street NE
- 6th Street NE from 1st to 3rd Avenues NE
While Michels Corporation will replace two natural gas mains, connect natural gas service lines to the first new main, and move any inside meters outside, Q3 Contracting will restore the areas affected by Michels Corporation’s work. Access to parking lots and driveways will remain open.
The crews will close 3rd Avenue NE from University Avenue NE to 7th Street NE for two blocks at a time. On the remaining streets, the crews will close the lane, parking, and sidewalk on the side of the road where they’re working.
After the crews replace the first main and connect the service lines to that main, they will temporarily restore the areas that will be affected by the second main replacement. This may include asphalt on previously concrete areas. The soft surfaces may be restored before the steel main replacement. Final restoration will happen after the steel main is replaced.
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 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.
