ATC energizes two power lines in northeastern Wisconsin
North Appleton-Morgan Project in service ahead of schedule, under budget
Laminate construction mats were used on the right-of-way.
DE PERE, Wis. – Two new transmission lines have been placed in service to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity in the northern reaches of American Transmission Co.’s service area.
The North Appleton-Morgan Project includes 138-kV and 345-kV transmission lines that run between the North Appleton Substation in Outagamie County and the Morgan Substation in Oconto County. Both substations were significantly expanded, and a new substation, Benson Lake in Marinette County, went into service in 2017.
“The project was estimated to be completed by the end of this year,” said Cliff Van Den Elzen, ATC project manager. “Several innovations in construction techniques and processes enabled construction crews to work more efficiently, allowing us to bring the project on-line early and under the authorized budget.”
Laminate construction mats were used on 100 percent of the power line right-of-way. Use of the laminate mats instead of traditional timber mats saved time and money – not only are they less expensive and twice as wide as timber mats, they are much lighter and easier to install and remove. The lighter mats also reduced crop damage in agricultural areas.
By working with local officials to install temporary decking across local crossroads and matting the entire right-of-way, construction continued without interruption during two winter seasons that included an unprecedented 15 weeks of weight restrictions on local roads.
The project was authorized by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in 2015 at $327.6 million. Final numbers won’t be tallied for several months.