Construction of a new transmission line requires a large amount of materials, equipment and labour. Different stages of construction will occur during varying time periods depending on your location along the transmission line right-of-way. In addition to the specific stages described below, construction equipment and vehicles (including bucket trucks and trailers) and will also be present along the right-of-way throughout construction.
- Workspace preparation and materials delivery
The right-of-way and structure locations must be prepared for work and building approaches to access the land, including removing trees and/vegetation as needed. Foundation and structure materials are delivered to work sites. - Structure foundations and base assembly
Some structure bases are embedded directly into the ground and secured with gravel or concrete. Other structures require foundations, which are constructed by drilling holes and installing casings into the ground, then filling them with concrete. Structure bases are then attached to these foundations. Foundations can also be screw piles or driven piles. - Structure erecting
Cranes are used to raise the upper sections of monopoles onto structure bases. Workers then secure the sections together. - Structure stringing
Transmission line wire (called conductor) is delivered and attached to the structures.
Cranes or helicopters may be used to string the conductor. - Line work
The wires may be fused together using implosive connectors, which produce a loud explosion. There should not be more than a few of these explosive sounds on days when this work is scheduled. - Energization
Quality and safety inspections are completed and the new transmission line is energized and connected to Alberta’s electrical system. - Reclamation
Reclamation and clean-up begins once the transmission line stringing is complete. We aim to return the land to its previous condition after one post-construction growing season.