Construction season has arrived in New Hope, and residents will soon notice a variety of street, utility and infrastructure projects taking place throughout the community. While roadwork and utility improvements can create some short-term inconveniences, these projects are important investments that support safer roads, improved stormwater management and reliable utility services.
One of the City’s largest projects this year is the 2026 Street and Utility Improvement Project, with construction scheduled to begin this spring. Work will take place in several areas throughout New Hope, including the St. Raphael neighborhood south of Elm Grove Park; portions of 59th Avenue North and Wisconsin Avenue North north of the golf course; sections of 62nd Avenue North; Zealand Avenue North between 55th Avenue North and Bass Lake Road; and Nevada Avenue North near Fred Sims Park. These streets were selected based on roadway condition assessments and geotechnical studies completed in 2025. The project includes street reconstruction, utility upgrades and drainage improvements, including stormwater improvements near Meadow Lake. Construction is expected to continue from spring through fall, with completion anticipated by late fall 2026.
The first stage of work will focus on removing and rebuilding street surfaces. Some streets will undergo asphalt milling, where only the top layer of pavement is removed while maintaining a drivable surface. Other streets will receive full pavement reclamation, where the roadway is ground down to the gravel base before being rebuilt and repaved. Crews will also complete underground utility and drainage improvements as needed before new pavement is installed.
During active construction, residents can expect temporary impacts, including lane shifts, sidewalk closures and restricted on-street parking in work areas. At least one traffic lane will generally remain open during construction. Residents may also experience short periods of limited driveway access, typically lasting 15 to 30 minutes, while paving and milling equipment is operating directly in front of driveways or intersections.
Some properties may also be affected when curbs, gutters or driveway aprons are replaced. Residents whose properties are impacted will receive advance notice and instructions if items such as sprinklers, landscaping or plants near the street need to be temporarily moved.
In addition to City projects, residents may notice utility work throughout the community this summer. CenterPoint Energy is upgrading natural gas infrastructure along portions of 53rd Avenue North and 62nd Avenue North, while Xcel Energy crews are conducting utility pole inspections across the city.
New Hope is also continuing to plan for future infrastructure improvements. In 2026, New Hope will begin developing its first Sidewalk and Trail Management Plan to help evaluate and prioritize future sidewalk and trail repairs and replacements citywide. Planning is also underway for a new monument sign and streetscape improvements along 42nd Avenue west of Gettysburg Avenue.
Questions or concerns related to City infrastructure projects can be directed to Project Coordinator Nick Macklem at
[email protected] or 763.592.6765. The City appreciates residents’ patience and cooperation as construction crews work throughout the community this construction season.