​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Natural Gas Line Upgrades in Columbia Heights

We are committed to keeping our customers informed about important updates we are making to our infrastructure – designed to enhance safety, improve reliability, and continue to provide you with the energy you need for life's moments. The following outlines the work we plan to complete this fall. 


Project Resources 

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Overview  

Columbia Heights Meter Moves

Beginning around June 8, CenterPoint Energy and authorized contractors will move meters from inside the home to outside, as well as service line work at multiple locations-- learn more about inside meter moves here​. ​In July, crews will also replace the natural gas main line along 40 Ave NE from Main St NE to University Ave NE. 

June 17 Update: 

A total of 6 crews will be working in the southwest corner of Columbia Heights over the coming weeks. Crews will be working along the following streets: 
  • 5th St NE, 7th St NE and Washington St NE (between 40 and 45 Ave NE)
  • Highway 47 to Main St NE (between 37 and 44 Ave NE)
  • Van Buren St NE, Jackson St NE and Quincy St (between 37 and 39 Ave NE)
  • Jefferson St NE and Madison St NE (between 40 and 45 Ave NE)
  • Monroe St NE (between 40 and 45 Ave NE)
Crews will avoid work in the parade route on Quincy St NE and the staging area between 44th and 45th-- work will begin in this area after the holiday. Crews will also clear out of the blocks being closed adjacent to the parade route mid-week before the parade.


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Following the work area above, crews will move into the below work area. During this portion of the project, crews will also replace the natural gas main line along 40 Ave NE and 39 Ave NE. Crews will replace the main on 42 1/2 Ave later in 2026.​


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Following the second work area above, crews will move into the below work area. ​

 

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Contractor summary 

CenterPoint works with multiple contractors to complete construction projects in a safe and timely manner. You will see these contractors working in your area and may be contacted by them at various stages of the construction process. Employees of authorized contractors will have CenterPoint identification cards. You are encouraged to ask to see identification before allowing technicians inside your home.

Marking utilities  

CenterPoint Energy will locate public underground utilities. This is an important safety preparation, done before construction begins. The utilities will be marked with spray paint and flags. 

If you have installed any private lines such as sprinklers or dog fences, we ask that you mark them with a material that is convenient for you. Examples include spray paint, flags, and wooden sticks used to stir paint. Marking sprinkler heads is sufficient. If any utility flags are left in residents' yards after restoration is complete, they may be removed and thrown away. 

Natural gas main work

To increase the safety and reliability of CenterPoint's gas distribution, natural gas mains are replaced with modern piping. Main is replaced by either boring underneath one side of the road or trenching in the road. Please keep in mind that some intersections may not be permanently restored until after the work is complete. Until then, customers may see temporary backfill such as dirt or gravel.

Service line and meter work  

After completing main work, service line work can begin to connect your property to the main. CenterPoint will send notice before the service crew arrives on site. For most properties, the crews remove at least one sidewalk panel in front of the house, excavate a hole by the outside meter and bore the service line from the sidewalk to the house. 

Customers with outside meters will be notified prior to the meter's replacement or connection of their service lines to the new main, and a technician will schedule appointments to relight the gas service on each property. The crew will also make appointments with residents to move inside meters outside. ​

Visit the Construction Definitions page for more information. 

Restoration  

The final step in an infrastructure project is to restore the areas that may have been impacted by construction. Restoration is typically on site for a few weeks after the completion of other construction activities. Until then, temporary restoration is done by the utility crews. For more details visit the Restoration Practices page. 

Traffic impacts  

Most traffic impacts will be restrictions on street parking, closure of one sidewalk at a time, and lane shifts. Crews will work with owners on maintaining access to and from their property. Additional traffic impacts and road closures will be communicated as they are in place. ​

Additional Resources 

If you have questions, reach out to CenterPoint Energy's Communication Specialist at 612-542-6198 or MNconstruction@centerpointenergy.com

 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we replace our infrastructure! We value the privilege of having you as a customer.​​