What is the crews’ progress?

Crews from Michels Corporation, a CenterPoint Energy authorized contractor, are continuing to replace CenterPoint Energy’s natural gas infrastructure on Lake Street in conjunction with Metro Transit’s B-Line Project. Businesses remain open and appreciate your continuing patronage.

We would like to send a correction regarding our post from May 21: The crews’ anticipated road closure will be from Friday, May 24 to Saturday, June 1, when the crews will close James Avenue S. from Lake Street W. to about 60 feet south of Lake Street W. (If the crews finish early, the closure may be lifted before June 1.) They will connect the newly installed main to the existing intersecting natural gas main. During this time, parking will remain open on both sides of James Avenue S. south of the closure. Both sidewalks on James Avenue S. will remain open. Detour signs will lead vehicular traffic to 31st Street W. and Irving Avenue S.

Steel main

One crew anticipates finishing the large-diameter steel main replacement on Lake Street between James Avenue S. and Dupont Avenue S. by Friday, May 31 or in the first week of June. The timeline of any road closure is determined by Metro Transit and its contractors.

Plastic main

Another crew began replacing a small-diameter plastic main under the south sidewalk of Lake Street between the same streets as the steel main. Within the first or second week of June, they anticipate finishing this main replacement and other natural gas work within this area.

During this time, they will have replaced and/or reconnected customers’ service lines to this new main and will have moved inside meters outside. They completed the service line and meter work on the south side of Lake Street and this week are working on the north side of Lake Street. In June, they plan to work on the east side of Hennepin Avenue. 

Service lines and meters

Another crew has been coordinating with customers to move inside meters outside by appointment and to replace some service lines. They will work on select streets between Drew Avenue S. and Hiawatha Avenue. Currently, they are working at Colfax Avenue S., working east on Lake Street. They anticipate their work to last throughout the summer. Their schedule depends on factors such as coordination with customers and the availability of crews. Traffic impacts will include a lane and parking closure on the south side of Lake Street and a sidewalk closure on whichever side the crews are working on. During this time, Lake Street will remain open to traffic.

How can I contact CenterPoint Energy? 

Check out our website for more details and for updates on the crews’ progress. If you have questions, please contact our Communication Specialist at 612-321-5546 or hannah.gullickson@centerpointenergy.com. Thank you very much for the patience and safe practices of all the residents while we complete our work!