Transmission Line Route Selection
When it comes to transmission lines, the journey is more important than the destination. Route selection requires navigating through natural and man-made structures as well as private property and public land that’s already in use. When there are hundreds of miles between the starting and ending points, there are many considerations to make before you can even begin breaking ground.
At SelectROW, we know how crucial it is to establish transmission lines efficiently so you can move forward with your projects. Our years of work in the industry have given us significant firsthand knowledge of what it takes to run a transmission line corridor all around the country. Let’s take a look at your project’s needs and how we can best achieve success.
How Feasible Is Your Project?
The first thing you should be asking yourself once you determine the start and endpoints of your transmission line is if there’s a preexisting corridor that could fit your needs. When possible, stakeholders are likely to prefer this option since it’s often more cost effective.
If you can find a nearby corridor, you may be able to build a parallel structure or facility. Using an already-disrupted area can minimize the environmental and social impacts, as there will be less debris to clear and less nature displacement. When possible, using an existing corridor could be your best option.
Considerations for Transmission Line Projects
However, even if there is a similar corridor, there’s no guarantee that it will fit your needs. Before committing to using an existing corridor, take a look at:
Routing requirements: Every jurisdiction has slightly different rules regarding routing. Be sure you understand the placement requirements for every area you place transmission lines in. Some may require your corridor be near roads, while others may demand the opposite.
Right-of-way encroachment: Before committing, see if you can identify any encroachments that could cause safety hazards or impact construction. If you are committed to a particular corridor, try and resolve things with the property owners.
Visual impacts: If the corridors you’re looking at are more than a few years old, the technology you want to install will likely work and look differently from the transmission lines that are already there, potentially creating a new eyesore. Furthermore, different tech may fall under different right-of-way guidelines.
Future developments: How old is the corridor already? Is it still reliable? Has inclement weather damaged transmission lines here before? Are there plans to add new infrastructure around it in the future? Ensure the corridor can handle long-term placement without interruptions that may pose challenges down the line.
How to Safely Manage Your Transmission Line
Once you’ve decided on your corridor and are ready to begin construction, it’s time to start clearing the way for your transmission lines, creating a transmission right of way. The transmission ROW takes the height of the transmission line and gives guidelines for removing the trees and shrubbery around it to maintain a good safety clearance.
Clearance space varies by area, but in general, you’ll need to have enough room around the lines that if one fell, it wouldn’t cause significant damage to the surrounding area.
Choose SelectROW for Transmission Line Assistance
Make your next project easier by partnering with SelectROW. Our team understands property laws and what goes into land easement and right-of-way acquisitions, so we will ensure your transmission line corridor adheres to all the necessary guidelines.
Learn more about our transmission line management services by connecting with us online or calling 1-888-997-3532. We’re ready to help you succeed.