By Alex DiBella, Project Manager for Eversource.
(May 24, 2023)—Eversource will be upgrading the electric system by replacing the existing grounding and communication wire with new Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) that spans the transmission right-of-way (ROW) between the Oxbow Junction located on Oxbow Road and the Haddam 11C Substation on Saybrook Road in Haddam. The new wire will improve electric reliability by enabling communication between substations. We’d like to give you some details about this upcoming work.
Reliability Improvements in Your Neighborhood
First, we want you to know that this work is not expected to interrupt electric service to homes or businesses. We do everything in our power to minimize disturbances to your family, your animals, and your property.
Advantages of Using a Helicopter
Over the years, Eversource has learned that the fastest and most efficient way to install the communication wire in areas like yours is by using a helicopter. We can complete the required work in the air, using limited equipment and vehicles on the ground in the power line corridor, resulting in fewer impacts to residents and environmentally sensitive areas.
The helicopter may also be used to transport workers, tools and materials used during the wire-stringing process. In some locations where helicopters can’t fly, we will need to use alternate methods to install wire.
What You Can Expect
We will be using a white and green MD500 helicopter with a gold stripe. You will hear some noise as the helicopter flies over the power line corridor, and access to that area will be restricted. For safety reasons, only Eversource and contractor crews will be allowed access to the ROW corridor while the helicopter is flying and during the work activities.
Safe areas for the helicopter to land have been established ahead of time, either within or near the power line corridor. If you see the aircraft coming down on the ground in the corridor, don’t worry – that is part of the normal operations for stringing wire.
There may be brief traffic delays when helicopters are installing wires over roads and highways. Be assured that there will be traffic control measures at all road crossings to guide drivers and make the areas safe.
Timing for This Work
This helicopter work will take place intermittently, Monday through Saturday, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The work is scheduled to take place starting the week of May 29, 2023. Due to weather or other unexpected circumstances, the work hours may be extended or performed on a Sunday.
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to being a good neighbor and doing our work with respect for you and your property. For more information about this work, please contact our Project Hotline at 1-800-793-2202, or send an email to ProjectInfo@eversource.com and refer to 1620 OPGW Project.
