The project entailed an ampacity increase using new Suwannee ACCR conductor, installation of one shield wire (OPGW) and replacement of existing structures not meeting clearance and structural capacity requirements. The existing alignment consisted of 131 structures of which 66 required replacement. The existing structures are lattice towers and wood/steel H-frames. The proposed structures were engineered steel poles, wood and hybrid steel/concrete H-frames.
The design was cognizant of construction limitations in sensitive areas, such as habitat supporting the Houston Toad and Golden Cheeked Warbler.
The project challenges included determining and limiting conductor blowout to stay within the existing easement usage, foundation design in weak silty soils, transmission line and highway crossings, and remediation of existing lattice tower foundations.
