Central Avenues Improvements Project-Phase 2

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Project Updates

Project Updates

July 25, 2025

11th Ave & 1st Street Reopens Next Week

Week of 7/21/25

  • Majority of Phase 1A (9th Avenue N) concrete sidewalks were completed. There will however be some replacements of some Phase 1A concrete sidewalk and step defects that will occur the Week of July 28.
  • Concrete sidewalk pouring continued on Phase 1B (10thAvenue N and 3rd Street N)
  • Roadway grading was completed on Phase 1C (10th Avenue N and 4th Street N)
  • Utility work started on Phase 1D (11th Avenue N between 1st and 2nd Street N)
  • The water shutdown on 11th Ave N south of 1st Street N was completed. The project team appreciates everyone’s cooperation with this after-hours shutdown.

Week of 7/28/25

  • Remaining Phase 1A concrete work will wrap up
  • Preparation work for Phase 1A yards and boulevards will occur. Irrigation repairs and topsoil placement to follow
  • Preparation work for Phase 1B yards and boulevards will occur following Phase 1A work. Irrigation repairs and topsoil placement to follow
  • Retaining wall work on Phase 1A and 1B will occur
  • Asphalt driveway tie backs on Phase 1A and 1B will occur
  • Concrete sidewalk pouring on Phase 1B should wrap up
  • Phase 1C curb and gutter placement may occur around the middle of the week, affected properties will be notified in advance
  • Phase 1D utility work will continue
  • The intersection of 11th Ave N/1st Street N is planned to be reopened on Tuesday, 7/29
  • A water shutdown that will affect some blocks of 11th Ave N will occur, affected properties will be notified beforehand
  • Tree removals will occur on Phase 1E (11th Avenue N between 2nd Street N and 3rd Street N)

The city’s contractor RL Larson has provided confirmation that the first flex phase (Phase 1E) will be the only flex phase to be completed in 2025. Phase 2A will be the first phase started in Spring of 2026.

As a reminder to properties on 11th Ave N and surrounding streets, during Phase 1A sanitary sewer work, 11th Ave N (between 1st Street N & 2nd Street N) will be closed with some trenches left open overnight due to the depth of the sewer main. Any open trench left overnight will be safely contained and blocked/barricaded off.

July 18, 2025

Phase 1D Utility Work Starts Next Week

Week of 7/14/25

  • Majority of Phase 1A (9th Avenue N) concrete sidewalks were completed. There will be some replacements of some Phase 1A concrete sidewalk and step defects that will occur the Week of July 21.
  • Concrete sidewalk pouring continued on Phase 1B (10th Avenue N and 3rd Street N)
  • Roadway grading work began on Phase 1C (10th Avenue N and 4th Street N)
  • Pavement removals occurred on Phase 1D (11th Avenue N between 1st and 2nd Street N)
  • Dewatering system was set up on Phase 1D to combat high groundwater levels on Phase 1D. The dewatering wells will be powered by a generator that will need to run 24/7, audible noise from the running generator should be minor and shouldn’t cause any disturbance.
  • No scheduled work will be occurring this weekend during Raspberry Festival

Week of 7/21/25

  • Remaining Phase 1A concrete work will wrap up
  • Preparation work for Phase1A yards and boulevards will occur. Irrigation repairs and topsoil placement to follow
  • Concrete sidewalk pouring on Phase 1B should wrap up
  • Roadway grading on Phase 1C will wrap up
  • Phase 1C curb and gutter placement may occur at the end of the week, affected properties will be notified in advance
  • Phase 1D temporary water hookups are scheduled to occur on Monday, July 21
  • Phase 1D utility work will begin
    • Starting Monday, July 21, the intersection of 11th Ave N/1st Street N will be closed to complete all the utility work and bring the intersection back up to a gravel surface. This closure is anticipated to be in-place for 1.5-2 weeks (see detour map included in this update)
    • A water shutdown that affects businesses on 11th Ave N south of 1st Street N is scheduled for Monday night, starting at 8:30 PM. This late-night work is necessary to avoid impacts during business hours and is expected to be completed Monday night around 11:30 PM. The project team appreciates everyone’s’ understanding and patience with this required after-hours work
    • As a reminder to properties on 11th Ave N and surrounding streets, during Phase 1A sanitary sewer work, 11th Ave N (between 1st Street N & 2nd Street N) will be closed with some trenches left open overnight due to the depth of the sewer main. Any open trench left overnight will be safely contained and blocked/barricaded off.

1st Street Detour and Phase 1D Closure Map

July 11, 2025

Phase 1D Construction Starts Next Week

Week of 7/7/2025

  • Pouring concrete sidewalks and steps continued on Phase 1A (9th Avenue N)
  • The first layer of asphalt was paved on Phase 1B (10th Avenue N)
  • Grading for concrete sidewalks occurred on Phase 1B
  • Sidewalk pouring started on phase 1B
  • Utility work finished on Phase 1C (10th Avenue N and 4th Street N)
  • Houses were taken off the temporary water system on Phase 1C
  • Temporary water piping was placed on Phase 1D (11th Avenue N)

Week of 7/14/25

  • Pouring remaining concrete sidewalks and steps will wrap up on Phase 1A
  • Pouring concrete sidewalks will continue on Phase 1B
  • Road grading will start on Phase 1C
  • Removals of the old roadway and sidewalks will occur on Phase 1D
  • Houses will be set up on the temporary water system on phase 1D
  • A dewatering system including drilling wells will occur on Phase 1D

Please note the following:

  • The intersection of 10th Avenue N. and 4th Street N. will be fully closed Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13 due to the road conditions and rain expected in the forecast over the weekend.

July 3, 2025

Phase 1B Paving Next Week

Week of 6/30/25

  • Sidewalk grading was completed on phase 1A (9th Avenue N)
  • Sidewalk pouring began on phase 1A
  • Remaining phase 1B (10th Avenue N) concrete curb was poured
  • Utility work on phase 1C (10th Avenue N and 4thStreet N) continued
  • Water shutdowns at 9th Ave N/4th St N were completed on Wednesday, July 2
  • Final roadway grading was completed on phase 1B in preparation for paving the first layer of asphalt
  • Newsletter 3 was mailed out to all residents in the project area
    • Due the recent rainy weather, some delays are being encountered with the current phases. The phasing map in Newsletter 3 has been updated accordingly.
  • No work is scheduled to occur on the Independence Day Holiday, Friday July 4. There is also no planned work scheduled for the following holiday weekend.

Week of 7/7/25

  • Sidewalk pouring on phase 1A will continue
  • First layer of asphalt on phase 1B will be getting paved
  • Sidewalk grading will start on phase 1B
  • Utility work on phase 1C will continue
  • Houses will be taken off the temporary water system on phase 1C
  • Road grading will start on phase 1C

Please note the following:

  • The intersection of 10th Avenue N. and 4th Street N. will be fully closed starting Friday, July 4 until Sunday, July 6 due to the road conditions and with the rain expected in the forecast over the weekend.

July 2, 2025

Work Planned Past Typical Working Hours Tonight

The City’s contractor will be working past typical working hours tonight (July 2) at 9th Avenue N/4th Street N to complete a watermain connection. The shutdown is scheduled from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This shutdown has been scheduled late in the day to reduce impacts to Alice Smith Elementary School. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we complete this work!

June 27, 2025

Phase 1A Sidewalk Construction Begins Next Week

Week of 6/23/25

  • Roadway grading continued on phase 1B (10th Avenue N)
  • Utility work continued on phase 1C (10th Avenue N and 4th Street N)
  • Concrete curb work started on phase 1B
  • Sidewalk grading started on phase 1A (9th Avenue N)
  • Water shutdown was completed on Monday, June 23rd

Week of 6/30/25

  • Sidewalk grading will continue for phase 1A
  • Utility work will continue on phase 1C
  • Residences in phase 1C will be taken off the temporary water system
  • Concrete curb construction will continue for phase 1B
  • Sidewalk pouring will occur on phase 1A
  • Final pavement grading will occur on phase 1B

Please Note The Following:

  • The intersection of 10th Avenue N and 4thStreet N will be fully closed this weekend, Saturday June 28th and Sunday June 29th, due to poor road conditions and rain in the weather forecast.

June 20, 2025

Phase 1B Curb Construction Begins Next Week

Week of 6/16/25

  • Roadway grading was started on phase 1B (10th Avenue N and 3rd Street N)
  • First layer of asphalt was paved on phase 1A (9th Avenue N)
  • Utility work was completed on Phase 1B
  • Utility work was started on phase 1C (10th Avenue N and 4th Street N)
  • Houses on phase 1C were connected to the temporary water system
  • Houses on phase 1B were taken off the temporary water system

Week of 6/23/25

  • Roadway grading will continue for phase 1B
  • Utility work will continue on phase 1C
  • Concrete curb will be poured for phase 1B
  • Sidewalk grading will occur on phase 1A
  • Water shutdown will occur on Monday June 23, affected properties have been notified

June 13, 2025

Phase 1A Paving Begins Next Week

Week of 6/9/25

  • Project Newsletter #2 sent out to all properties in project area
  • Concrete curb was poured on Phase 1A (9th Avenue N)
  • Utility work continued on Phase 1B (10th Avenue N and 3rd Street N)
  • Temporary water system was installed on Phase 1C (10th Avenue N and 4th Street N)
  • Pavement removals occurred on Phase 1C

Week of 6/16/25

  • Final roadway grading will occur on Phase 1A
  • First layer of asphalt will be paved on Phase 1A
  • Utility work will wrap up on Phase 1B
  • Roadway grading work will start on Phase 1B
  • Houses on Phase 1C will be connected to the temporary water system
  • Utility work will start on Phase 1C

Additional Notes:

  • With rainy weather in the forecast, please try to avoid unpaved streets in the project area
  • While paving asphalt, the material will be very hot and can cause burns. Please avoid walking pets on the newly paved roadways until the temperatures cool down later in the day.

June 6, 2025

Phase 1A Curb and Phase 1C Removals Begin Next Week!

Week of 6/2/25

  • Remaining utility work on Phase 1A was completed
  • Roadway grading work began on Phase 1A including the installation of the new roadway sand and gravel sections
  • Utility work continued on Phase 1B
  • The intersection of 10th Ave/1st Street was closed in order to complete utility work within the intersection
    • Detour route was installed during the closure of 10th Ave/1st Street utilizing 12th Ave, Mainstreet, & 5th Ave
    • Intersection is planned to be reopened sometime Friday (6/6) afternoon
  • A water shutdown that affected multiple businesses along 10th Ave south of 1st Street occurred after typical working hours on Wednesday (6/4)
    • The project team would like to thank everybody living near the night work operations for their patience and understanding!

Week of 6/9/25

  • Roadway grading will finish up early in the week on Phase 1A
  • Concrete curbing and driveway aprons are planned for mid-week on Phase 1A, affected properties will be notified in advance
  • Utility work will continue on Phase 1B with both utility crews working simultaneously on services and storm sewer
  • Construction will begin on Phase 1C, including pavement removals and the setting up of the temporary water system

 

May 30, 2025

Closure and Detour for 10th Avenue and 1st Street Planned for Next Week

Week of 5/26/25

  • Utility work continued on both Phase 1A (9th Avenue N.) & Phase 1B (10th Avenue N. and 3rd Street N.)
  • CenturyLink’s contractor worked on relocating a fiber optic duct bank for the new storm sewer at 9th Avenue N. & 3rd Street N.

Week of 6/2/25

  • Utility work will near completion on Phase 1A
  • Road building work will begin on Phase 1A, which includes grading and installing of the sand and gravel sections
  • Utility work will continue on Phase 1B
  • The intersection of 10th Ave/1st Street will be closed to complete utility work in the intersection, see the 1st Street Closure and Detour Map below to learn more.
    • A detour route will be installed using 12th Avenue, Mainstreet, & 5th Avenue
    • The closure and detour will be in place from Tuesday, June 3rd to Friday, June 6th
  • A water shutdown will occur the evening of Wednesday, June 4th that will affect businesses along 10th Avenue between Mainstreet & 1st Street. This shutdown will occur after typical working hours to avoid affecting local business operations

1st Street Closure and Detour Map

May 23, 2025

No Work Over the Holiday Weekend

Week of 5/19/25

  • Centerpoint Energy finished their work on 2025 project streets
  • Utility work continued on Phase 1A (9th Avenue N)
  • Phase 1B (10th Avenue N and 3rd Street N) houses were connected to temporary water system
  • Phase 1B utility work started
  • Heavy rains impacted the unpaved roadways on both Phase 1A & Phase 1B, temporary road closures were set up to manage vehicular traffic.
  • The contractor worked to dry out the muddy streets and reopened streets in Phases 1A & 1B. However, please continue to avoid travelling through construction zones if possible

Week of 5/26/25

  • No work is planned for Memorial Day (5/26), unless any unforeseen issues arise
  • Utility work will continue on Phases 1A and 1B, including services on the 200 block of Phase 1A and sanitary sewer on Phase 1B

Please note the following:

  • Driveway access, sidewalk accessibility and on-street parking will be impacted during the working day (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and not readily accessible along Phase 1A (9th Avenue North) and Phase 1B (10th Avenue North up to 3rd Street North and 3rd Street North from 9th Avenue North to 11th Avenue North).
  • Phase 1A intersections at 2nd Street North and 3rd Street North will be closed off to thru traffic. The intersection of 9th Avenue North and 1st Street North will remain accessible, as well as the alleys along Phase 1A but only from one end typically (refer to the Closure and Access Map).
  • Phase 1B intersections at 2nd St North and 3rd Street North will be closed off to thru traffic. The intersection of 10th Avenue North and 1st Street North will be closed periodically for various construction activities including utility work, but a detour will be in place for 1st Street North traffic when the intersection is closed, directing traffic down to Mainstreet.
    • Alleys will remain accessible but only on one end typically, while the other end will be closed. Please refer to the Closure and Access Map for which direction you should access your alley from for the foreseeable future.
    • Generally, the alley accesses off 3rd Street North will be closed during Phase 1B.
    • The 2nd Street intersections at 9th Avenue and 10th Avenue will not be closed at the same time. If one of these intersections is closed, the other will be open to traffic to maintain access to those alleys while 3rd Street N is closed.
  • Please try to avoid work zones for the safety of the contractor and the public. Especially with rain in the forecast, roadway conditions can deteriorate quickly. Please avoid driving through any roads that appear wet and muddy.

Closure and Access Map

May 16, 2025

Phase 1A & 1B Utility Work Next Week

Week of 5/12/25

  • Centerpoint Energy/Michels continued gas main work
  • A scheduled water shutdown affecting businesses on 9th Avenue south of 1st Street occurred after normal working hours on Monday, May 12.
    • The project team would like to thank everyone living near 9th Avenue and 1st Street for their patience and understanding during the evening shutdown.
  • Utility work continued on Phase 1A, with some sanitary sewer mainline replacement on the 200 block of 9th Ave North and sewer and water service replacements on the 100 block of 9th Ave North.
  • Traffic control devices were set up along Phase 1B (10th Avenue North and 3rd Street North). Properties on and along Phase 1B should have received a “Closure & Access Map” to clarify access while phases 1A & 1B are under construction simultaneously.
  • For safety purposes, a detour of the Regional Trail was installed. This detour will be in place for the foreseeable future. The detour route utilizes 1st Street North and 14th Avenue North to avoid the construction zones.
  • Pavement removals occurred on Phase 1B
  • Temporary water system was installed on Phase 1B, connections to individual properties will occur starting on Monday, May 19th.

Week of 5/19/25

  • Centerpoint Energy/Michels should finish gas main work.
  • Utility work on Phase 1A will continue.
  • Phase 1B properties will be connected to the temporary water system.
  • Phase 1B utility work will start.

May 9, 2025

Phase 1B Starts Next Week

Week of May 5, 2025

  • CenterPoint Energy continued gas main work
  • Phase 1A (9th Avenue North) utility work started with sanitary sewer and watermain installation on the 100 block of 9th Ave N, and sanitary sewer installation on the 200 block of 9th Ave N

Week of May 12, 2025

  • CenterPoint Energy should be wrapping up the remainder of their gas main work
  • Traffic control devices and sidewalk closure signage will be installed along Phase 1B (10th Avenue North and 3rd Street North)
    • Please refer to the closure and access map for residential alley access while Phases 1A and 1B are under construction
  • Phase 1B removals including existing sidewalks, curbing, driveways, and street pavement will occur throughout the week
  • The temporary water system will be installed for Phase 1B and hookups to individual properties will occur later in the week or early the following week. Affected residents will be notified.
  • A scheduled water shutdown will occur on Monday evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. that will affect the block of 9th Avenue N between Mainstreet and 1st Street N. Notices were provided to affected properties on Friday, May 9.
    • Please note that this work will occur after normal working hours.
    • As part of Monday’s water shutdown, construction activity and excavation will occur on the north side of the 9th Avenue North and 1st Street North intersection to install a new water valve on Phase 1A. Please be cautious and try to avoid driving through this intersection on Monday, May 12.
  • Utility work will continue on Phase 1A, with water and sewer service replacements on the 100 block of 9th Ave North and utility main work on the 200 block of 9th Ave North.

May 2, 2025

Phase 1A Utility Work Starts Next Week

Week of 4/28/25

  • Centerpoint Energy continued gas main work
  • Traffic control devices and sidewalk closure signage were installed along Phase 1A
  • Phase 1A (9th Avenue North) removals including existing sidewalks, curbing, driveways, and street pavement were completed
  • Phase 1A temporary water system was installed
  • Phase 1A residences were connected to temporary water
  • Due to rain from Thursday and poor surface soils, vehicle traffic should be avoided on 9th Avenue North (Phase 1A) this weekend. Signage has been adjusted to minimize any thru traffic. The contractor is also trying to dry out the surface to the best of their ability.

Week of 5/5/25

  • Centerpoint Energy should be wrapping up the remainder of their gas main work
  • A scheduled water shutdown will occur early in the week that will affect the 300 block of 9th Avenue North. Notices were provided to affected properties on Friday, May 2.
  • As part of Monday’s water shutdown, construction activity and excavation will occur on the Northeast section of 9th Avenue North and 3rd Street North to disconnect the existing water main on Phase 1A. Please be cautious and try to avoid driving through this intersection on Monday, May 5.
  • Utility work will start on Phase 1A, beginning with sanitary sewer replacements. This work will start at 2nd Street North and move south towards 1st Street North along 9th Avenue North.
  • Advanced notice signage will be placed for the upcoming Phase 1B (10th Avenue North and 3rd Street North) construction starting May 12, and pavement removals will be painted out for limits.

April 25, 2025

Phase 1A (9th Avenue North) Removals & Temp Water Next Week

Week of 4/21/25

  • Centerpoint Energy continued gas main work on multiple streets within the project area
  • Tree removals occurred on all 2025 phases
  • Residents should have received the first monthly project newsletter
  • Contractor began mobilizing equipment and traffic control items in preparation for starting Phase 1A (See phasing map below for more details)

Week of 4/28/25

  • Centerpoint Energy should finish up any remaining gas main work
  • Traffic control devices and sidewalk closure signage will be installed along Phase 1A (9th Avenue North)
  • Phase 1A removals such as existing sidewalks, curbing, driveways, and street pavement will occur
  • Phase 1A temporary water system will be installed
  • Phase 1A temporary water connections to houses will occur later in the week

Starting on 4/28/25, please note the following:

  • Driveway access, sidewalk accessibility and on-street parking during the working day (7 am to 7 pm) will be impacted and not readily accessible along Phase 1A.
  • Phase 1A intersections at 2nd Street North and 3rd Street North will be closed off to through-traffic. The intersection of 9th Avenue North and 1st Street North will remain accessible, as well as the alleys along Phase 1A.
  • Please try to avoid work zones as much as possible for your safety and the contractor’s.
  • Multiple school bus companies have been contacted by members of the project team, if you experience any issues with bus stop locations not being updated, please contact a member of the project team

Week of 5/5/25

  • A scheduled water shutdown will occur early in the week that will affect some areas around Phase 1A, affected properties will be notified in advance
  • Utility work will start on Phase 1A with the sanitary sewer replacements. This work will start at 1st Street North and progress to the north along 9th Avenue (Phase 1A)

April 18, 2025

Tree Removals Start Next Week!

Week of 4/21/25

  • Trees within 2025 Phases will be marked for removal (Phase 1A trees were marked on April 18).
  • Residents will be receiving the first project newsletter early in the week.
  • Centerpoint Energy’s gas main work will continue progressing on multiple project streets.
  • Tree removals on 2025 phases will begin on April 24.

Week of 4/28/25

  • Tree removals on 2025 phases will wrap up if not already completed.
  • Gas main work will continue.
  • Phase 1A temporary water system will be installed (notice will be provided to affected properties)
  • Roadway, curb, driveways and sidewalks in phase 1A will be removed.

Week of 5/5/24

  • Utility work will start on Phase 1A.

Please note, all schedules are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances, please visit the project website for updates throughout construction.

April 11, 2025

Thank you to everyone who attended the neighborhood meeting on April 9th. Street and utilities construction is tentatively scheduled to begin later this month. Project updates and further information will be coming soon. If you missed the meeting, check out the recorded presentation on the project website!

Centerpoint Energy and Michels Corp. will be continuing to conduct gas main replacements and relocations on 9th Ave, 10th Ave, 11th Ave, and 3rd St N. You can learn more on Centerpoint’s project website.

March 28, 2025

Week of March 31st

  • Michels Corp. and Centerpoint Energy will begin gas main replacements and relocations starting on the 200 block of 9th Avenue N.
  • Find project updates and contact information on Centerpoint Energy’s Hopkins project website. You can also learn more on the project flyer.
  • Letters (not related to Centerpoint Energy’s work) will be mailed to individual properties regarding potential construction related impacts to items such as retaining walls, landscaping, railings, and trees.
    • Please note, these letters are only being mailed to properties affected by 2025 construction activity (9th Ave N, 10th Ave N, and 11th Ave N) including properties that may fall within the 2025 “flex” phases (11th Ave N).
    • Letters regarding potential construction impacts in front of properties along 12th Ave N and 13th Ave N will be mailed to those properties closer to the start of construction in 2026.

Week of April 5th

  • Gas main replacements and relocations will continue for the foreseeable future, staying ahead of the City’s contractor.
  • APRIL 9th – Join us for the final project open house at 5:30 pm at Hopkins City Hall (1010 1st St S, Hopkins, MN 55343). You can also register to join the meeting online.