Council to consider late night work on Highway 23 bridge
by Lee Voss, WJON.com

ST. CLOUD -- Xcel Energy is asking the St. Cloud City Council tonight for an exemption to its noise ordinance. 

The request is needed so crews can work through the night on moving utilities from underneath the DeSoto Bridge. 

City Engineer Steve Gaetz says Xcel is burrowing underneath the river to re-route gas lines there but granite bedrock is slowing their efforts. 

The lines needed to be moved before demolition of the bridge can start next month. 

Gaetz says the exemption would allow Xcel to work around the clock if needed to ensure they meet MnDOT imposed deadlines. 

But, Gaetz says the work Xcel is doing is NOT very noise intensive and says they are asking for permission as a precaution.