Project Overview
Overview
Beginning in winter 2025/2026, Rhode Island Energy (RIE) is planning to rebuild the existing 115kV B23 transmission line that supplies the Nasonville Substation (Douglas Pike, Burrillville) and install a new 115kV line, the “U170,” in some of the right-of-way (ROW). These lines will be constructed using double-circuit steel monopoles. This work is primarily being performed for greater reliability.
Construction activity will begin in the winter of 2025/2026 and the project is expected to be complete and in service by spring 2027. All the work will take place within RIE’s existing ROW, with only select access points being located off-ROW. There will be no planned disruption in electrical service to RIE customers while the work is being performed. Final restoration is expected to be complete in the summer of 2027.
Construction Phasing
Construction of the Project will take place over the course of several phases. Details about the timing of each phase by location will be communicated to those along the project route throughout the project, but the general plan entails:
Forestry Work: To prepare the ROW for construction access, our forestry team will complete mowing and tree work within the boundaries of the ROW. Any forestry work that impacts vegetation outside the ROW will be coordinated with landowners prior to the work being completed.
Civil Work: During this phase, RIE contractors will install crushed stone and construction matting (either timber or composite) to protect the ground from the movement of heavy equipment, as well as environmental controls to protect sensitive areas along the route. The matting will be installed to create temporary access roads, as well as work pads around each new structure for the staging of equipment. Crews will also complete the drilling work necessary to install the new structures and pour cement footings in the locations where they are needed.
Electrical Work: Once the civil work is completed, the contractors will move on to installing the new towers and running the new wires. Poles will likely be made of weathered steel. The current structures and wires will be removed following the installation of the new equipment.
Restoration: Following the installation of the new towers and wires, and the removal of the retired materials, crews will shift their focus to restoring the ROW. Because the matting will have provided a level of protection, restoration in most areas is limited to clean up and lawn/vegetation restoration as needed (most locations where matting was located will naturally restore over time). In some locations, we may need to discuss replanting of trees, typically where additional access needs are located. Our team will address these needs on a case-by-case basis with property owners as we draw closer to this phase of the work.
(Left) Proposed appearance of most weathered steel transmission structures with wires.
(Right) Relocated existing distribution line.