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Welcome

This short guide will help you understand the construction process and what activities you can expect to see during construction once all permits are approved.
Pre-Construction

Pre-Construction

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Construction crews begin by staking the center and outer edges of the right of way, road crossings, and pole locations.

Soil Testing

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Soil Testing

Soil testing includes drilling holes in the ground to determine the soil make-up so structure foundations can be adequately designed. The holes are refilled after the testing is complete.

Right-of-Way Clearing

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Right-of-Way Clearing

The right of way needs to be cleared of structures and certain types of vegetation. Trees along the right of way that could possibly fall and contact the transmission line are referred to as “danger trees” and will be trimmed and/or cut. Landowners will be notified prior to any activity.

Access Roads

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Access Roads

Dominion Energy will use existing access roads, where possible. If access is not available, additional access roads may be installed. Dominion Energy will coordinate with property owners regarding the location of convenient access points.

Wetland Areas

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Wetland Areas

Special care is taken to keep impacts to wetlands to an absolute minimum during construction. To mitigate impacts to biological resources in the right of way, Dominion Energy may install erosion control devices, such as silt fences. Temporary wooden construction mats may be used in wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas to mitigate impacts from equipment and other construction activities.
Pre-Construction

Construction

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Foundation Installation

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Foundation Installation

Most structures have a concrete foundation. The size and type of each foundation depends on the type of structure, soil make-up and the terrain.

Structure Construction

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Structure Construction

Once foundations are in place, structures are generally built from the ground up. Structures are assembled in sections and a crane or helicopter (although rare) may be used to lift the sections into place.

Wire Stringing

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Wire Stringing

Wire stringing includes the installation of conductor(wires) and associated hardware for the length of the route. After installation, linemen inspect the newly installed conductor.

Noise

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Noise

Dominion Energy will take measures to mitigate construction noise as much as possible. Work will take place during reasonable daytime hours and in accordance with state and local permits and allowances.
Pre-Construction

Post Construction

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Right-of-Way Restoration

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Right-of-Way Restoration

After construction is complete, disturbed areas will be restored with native plantings. All construction materials and debris will be removed from the site.

Right-of-Way Access

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Right-of-Way Access

Dominion Energy will restore roads and entrances to their original condition unless they are necessary for permanent access to the right of way.

Vegetation Management

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Vegetation Management

Vegetation growth will be monitored and maintained to assure continued service reliability of the transmission line. Trees that pose a hazard to the safe operation of the line may be trimmed or removed.
Pre-Construction

CONTACT US

Learn about our construction processes at powerlines101.dominionenergy.com.
Or contact us by calling 888-291-0190 or sending an email to powerline@dominionenergy.com.