Submitted by Eversource Energy
(September 2, 2023) — As part of our everyday effort to deliver reliable energy to our customers and communities, Eversource Energy is preparing to replace select transmission structures and install communication wire within the right-of-way (powerline corridor) in Haddam and Middletown.
Beginning in mid-September, Eversource and its approved contractors will begin working on this project, called the
Middletown to Oxbow Junction Structure Replacement and OPGW Project. This project includes:
• Replacing six existing wood transmission structures with new, more durable steel monopole structures, with a finish that “weathers” or darkens over time.
• Replacing the existing ground wire (top-most wire) with new Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) between Middletown Substation off River Road in Middletown and Oxbow Junction off Oxbow Road in Haddam. The OPGW will improve electric reliability by enabling communication between substations.
• Select vegetation removal within the right-of-way as needed for construction and to comply with electric code
standards.
For those whose property is located near these project activities, here is important information about how this work will be carried out:
• Reliable Service: This work will not interrupt electric service.
• Proper Identification: All people working on this Project carry identification.
• Construction activity will take place on Eversource-owned property or within the existing right-of-way in Middletown, off of River Road and Bartholomew Road, and in Haddam, off of Chamberlain Hill Road and Oxbow Road.
• Typical construction hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Due to weather or other unexpected circumstances, crews may occasionally work longer hours, or work on a Sunday.
• Construction Activities: There will be construction vehicles on the right-of-way, including heavy equipment,
though we will make every effort to minimize impacts to the underlying property. In addition to ground equipment, a helicopter will be utilized to efficiently complete the required work. Construction will take place in phases and will include survey, mowing/vegetation removal, building or enhancing gravel access roads and work areas, setting temporary wood construction mats, drilling and installing foundations, installing new steel monopole structures, removing the old structures, and stringing new wire.
• We expect construction activities, including restoration, to be complete by mid-2024. If you have questions about this work, please contact our Field Outreach Representative, Sara Ciochetti, at 203-626-1081 or via email at sciochetti@burnsmcd.com.
You can also contact Eversource’s Project Information Hotline at 1-800-793-2202 or send an e-mail to
ProjectInfo@eversource.com.
