Highway 96
Natural Gas Project
Arden Hills, Shoreview, and New Brighton, MN
May 2026 – Fall 2026
Overview
Xcel Energy will replace approximately one mile of natural gas line in Arden Hills, Shoreview, and New Brighton, Minnesota, as the first phase of the Highway 96 Natural Gas Project. Work will occur along Highway 96 West between Lexington Avenue North and Old Highway 8 Northwest, and along Old Highway 8 Northwest between Highway 96 West and 1st Avenue Northwest.
This work will allow us to continue to provide safe, reliable natural gas service throughout the community.
This map is a graphic and may not show exact locations.
Construction updates
Friday, July 24, 2026
During the week of July 27, crews will work in the following areas:
- Highway 96 between Hamline Avenue and Lexington Avenue North
- Jersey barrier installation
- Closure of the southernmost eastbound lane
- Excavation and pipe stringing
- Natural gas installation
- Closure of sidewalk on south side of Highway 96, pedestrians cross to north side at Hamline or Lexington avenues
- Highway 96 between Lexington Avenue North and Highway 10
- Natural gas line installation
- Lane and shoulder closures
- Traffic control in place
- Highway 96, between Round Lake Road West/Aden Manor Way and Highway 10
- Utility locate activities
- Lane and shoulder closures
- Traffic control in place
- Highway 96 between Hamline Avenue and Lexington Avenue North
- Jersey barrier installation
- Closure of the southernmost eastbound lane
- Equipment and materials staging
- Closure of sidewalk on south side of Highway 96, pedestrians cross to north side at Hamline or Lexington avenues
- Old Highway 8, between Highway 96 and 300 feet north of Highway 96
- Utility locate activities
- Lane and shoulder closures
- Traffic control in place
- Old Highway 8, between Highway 10 and 1st Avenue Northwest
- Natural gas line installation
- Utility location activities
- Lane and shoulder closures
- East sidewalk closure, pedestrians cross to west side of Old Highway 8
- Traffic control in place
Crews will work Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In certain circumstances, crews may work evenings or nights.
Schedules are subject to change.
How it affects you
During construction, you may notice:
- Marking of utility lines and utility survey holes
- Road and sidewalk closures
- Traffic control
- Temporary changes to access
- Construction noise
We will install the natural gas line by open trenching and boring.
- Open trenching involves digging a trench and placing the natural gas line in the trench
- Boring uses a specialized machine to create an underground pathway through which the natural gas line is pulled or drilled
We are committed to maintaining a safe working environment in your community. For your safety and the safety of our crews, remember these tips:
- Watch for construction crews and equipment
- Do not enter construction areas
- Obey signage and directions from crews
- Reduce speeds while traveling
- Observe parking restrictions
- Remain flexible as work progresses and work areas change
We restore work areas to conditions required by permits as weather allows. Work areas may be left temporarily restored after construction until we can complete final restoration.
Schedule
Construction is expected to begin in May 2026 and will continue through October 2026.
Construction will occur Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In certain circumstances, we may be required to work evenings or weekends.
Schedules are subject to change.
What you can do
If you have questions or comments, we want to hear from you.
Call us at 612-643-2255 or email [email protected] to learn more.
Safety
Public safety is at the foundation of all we do. The safety of the public around our natural gas system influences every decision we make.
If you ever suspect a natural gas leak, leave your home or business immediately. Once you are safely away, call 911, then Xcel Energy at 800-895-2999.
For more information on our commitment to safety, please visit our Public Safety page.
Document library
Contact Us
Have a question or want to provide feedback?
Call 612-643-2255
Email [email protected]
Fill out the comment form above