The cones and signs are already out: Centerpoint Energy has four natural gas pipeline replacement projects underway or starting in the near future, in Northeast. Some are related to street projects.
Upper Northeast
Since the week of April 5 and expected to last until October 2017, Michels Corporation, authorized CenterPoint Energy contractor, has been installing natural gas mains on the east side of a two-part project in upper Northeast, from Cleveland to McKinley streets NE between 36th and 29th avenues NE.
When that is done, they will then finish with the west side of the project, from Taylor Street NE to Lincoln Street NE between 36th Avenue NE and St. Anthony Parkway.
18th Avenue
Started in earnest the week of May 8 and expected to last until June 2017, Michels is installing natural gas mains along the curb side of southern (eastbound) 18th Avenue NE from Johnson Street NE to Jackson Street NE, starting on the eastern end at Johnson Street NE working toward the western end at Jackson Street NE.
According to a communication the Windom Park Citizens in Action received, “the 18th Ave NE reconstruction project is expected to start in early June. A public meeting will be held prior to the start of construction to share information.” Beverly Warmka, the city’s contact on this project, said an apparent low bidder was selected Friday, May 12; once their contract is in place and they can attend a meeting, it will be set up.
According to Centerpoint’s construction website, “lane restrictions are anticipated in areas where active construction is occurring…necessary to keep both the public and construction personnel safe.
“Construction typically happens in three phases: Phase 1 is installing the natural gas distribution main. Phase 2 is connecting the gas service lines to the new main along the same construction route. (A gas service line is a small-diameter pipe connecting the customer’s gas service to the main line in the street.) Phase 3 is restoring the areas affected by construction—typically the utility easement, the street, and the customer’s yard.”
In the case of the 18th Ave. NE project, Centerpoint Inspector Chad Bailey told the Northeaster the restoration after their work will be temporary pending the city’s work. “The roadway, we have to get to driveable, and the sidewalks will be blacktop – temporary.” Yards will be restored to prevent erosion.
“As part of this main project, the crews will also be replacing several natural gas service lines that connect from the main to the customer’s property. Customers will experience a short disruption of gas service as the crews are installing the gas service line.
“Crews may have to dig in the ground on your property in the utility easement to complete the task of service and main distribution line replacement. If a customer’s property is disturbed, CenterPoint Energy will restore the hard and soft surfaces affected by construction at no cost to you.”
Artery intersections, Central and University
The week of May 15, prior to the start of Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Highway 65 project, workers will be installing natural gas mains along Central Avenue NE at the following intersections: 14th, 20th, 22nd and 27th avenues NE. The crews will be starting at the south end of the project and work north. MNDOT’s work will consist of reconstructing signal systems and sidewalk ramps to comply with ADA requirements. MNDOT will also be doing some of this work on University Avenue.
This fall, CenterPoint Energy crews will be replacing natural gas main on 4th Street NE from Broadway Street NE to 3rd Avenue NE, and on selected intersections on 4th Street NE from University Avenue NE to 5th Street NE in Minneapolis. More details on the project will be posted to CenterPoint Energy’s website closer to the date of construction.
For questions, call Centerpoint’s Information Hotline at 612-321-5369 or their Communication Specialist at 612-321-5546.
For questions about restoration (hard or soft surfaces) call their Restoration Department at 612-321-5042. Watch for updates and more info on the projects at: centerpointenergy.com/en-us/business/in-your-community/construction-projects?sa=mn
For questions about the 18th Avenue street project, residents may call Beverly Warmka at 612-673-3762.
The 18th Avenue project website, a work in progress, has a link to sign up for email updates: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cip/2017/WCMS1P-147114