Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Apalach to Eastpoint Transmission Line Project 

Progress Energy will install a new 69-kilovolt (kV) line from Apalachicola substation, through the Eastpoint substation.  A final segment will also connect to St. George Island. Construction has begun and is expected to be completed by June 2012.

This transmission project is needed to better address the threat of severe weather in your community and continue to meet acceptable levels of year-round reliability for the entire area. 

The portion of the line constructed on land will be single concrete or steel poles, 60 feet to 90 feet above ground. Poles may be taller when crossing roadways, waterways, or other electrical equipment.
  
Where the line crosses the Apalachicola River and Apalachicola Bay, structures will be either single, self-supporting steel poles or H-frames.  Most poles will be replaced at or near their current locations and the majority of the existing foundations within Apalachicola Bay will be reused.  

What to Expect: 

Installing transmission structures and lines is similar to a typical construction project, with numerous crews, trucks and other equipment. There may be lulls between the phases of activity, but in general, homeowners can expect these stages of construction: 

Clearing and grading.
Probably the most noticeable portion of construction is clearing and grading, which is the earliest step. The right of way must be clear during the construction process. 

Foundations and installing poles.
Property owners can expect large trucks with drilling equipment or a concrete mixer in the right of way. The concrete is poured at the bottom of a deep hole to form the foundation. The poles arrive in sections and may be assembled on the ground before being installed. 

Stringing lines.
Trucks carrying large reels of wire are typically used, with a winch to pull the wire through. Linemen attach the wires to the structures. Later, crews install "ground rods" to the structures. Property owner's' power is not affected when the line is energized. 

Helicopters.
Due to the unique aspects of construction activities within the bay, helicopters will be utilized for installation of the structures in the water.     

If you have questions about this project, please telephone (888) 272-8133 or email ApalachicolaProgress@pgnmail.com or visit online www.progress-energy.com

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