What will CenterPoint Energy do?

From Monday, August 5 to late November 2024, a CenterPoint Energy authorized contractor, Michels Corporation, will replace a large-diameter natural gas steel main on Columbus Avenue S. from 41st Street E. to 48th Street E. They will install a natural gas vault at the northeastern corner of Columbus Avenue S. and 48th Street E. They plan to begin a road closure at 40th Street E. and work south to their final road closure at 49th Street E.

Q3 Contracting and the City of Minneapolis will restore the areas affected by Michels Corporation’s work. While the city will pave the roads, Q3 Contracting will restore the remaining areas.

Here are some bullet points about the anticipated traffic plan; this plan may be subject to change:

• Our road closure will be along Columbus Avenue between 40th Street E. and 49th Street E. in three-block segments with 1 or 2 back-to-back intersections closed to eastbound and westbound traffic at a time.
  • We will temporarily pave each intersection as we complete our work.  
• Vehicular traffic will be detoured from Columbus Avenue onto Chicago Avenue for the bulk of the project.
• We will have to close the intersection at 46th Street E. for up to one week. This includes time for our construction and restoration.
  • The posted detour route will be along Chicago Avenue to 38th Street E. to Nicollet Avenue.
  • We will need 2 to 3 days to cross the intersection and likely 2 to 3 days for restoration. This restoration may happen over a weekend.
• We will maintain access to pedestrian traffic along Columbus Avenue S.
  • As we cross each intersection, we will alternate sidewalk closures for eastbound and westbound pedestrian traffic.
  • Access to local businesses and residents will be maintained.

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. We appreciate your patience as we’re upgrading our infrastructure. We wish you a great season!