Project Description

 

National Grid's Gardenville - Dunkirk 141/142 Transmission Rebuild Project is a transmission line project that will rebuild aging electric transmission lines in Erie County's Southtowns region. The rebuild will focus on the northern 20 miles of existing 115,000 volt (or, 115kV) electric transmission lines, traversing the communities of Angola, Evans, Hamburg, Blasdell, Lackawanna, and West Seneca, in Erie County, New York. Once constructed, the newly rebuilt transmission lines will provide enhanced electric reliability for the Western New York region.

 

Open House

Thank you to all who attended our project Open House on March 11, 2019.

A Public Statement Hearing for National Grid's Gardenville - Dunkirk #141/142 Transmission Rebuild Project was held:

Thursday, April 18, 2019

The hearing included an Information Forum followed by a Public Statement Hearing where interested persons placed comments on the record.

More information about the Public Statement Hearing can be found here


 

Project Benefits

  • The project will replace aging electric infrastructure. The existing lines were originally built in the 1930s and are nearing the end of their useful lives. The project will replace the existing infrastructure with modern technology.
  • With the installation of larger conductor (wires), electric power transfer capabilities along these lines will be improved to better meet the area's current and future electric load needs. System reliability will also be enhanced by building to the most current codes.
  • Rebuilding the transmission lines provides for a cost-effective solution for the continued long-term maintenance and operation of the transmission lines.

Permitting

Permitting Update

In May 2022, the Public Service Commission (PSC) approved National Grid's Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP). 

What is the EM&CP?

The EM&CP includes plans and specifications for environmental protections and construction of the Project. The main EM&CP document includes information on conditions from the PSC that National Grid must meet during Project construction. Appendix A of the EM&CP includes the proposed Plan and Profile construction drawings, which includes details such as Project access and structure locations. Various other appendices detail plans for environmental protection and communications protocols, among other topics.

The community, including affected landowners, will receive a Construction Commencement Notice before the start of construction. Construction is anticipated to start in Fall 2022.

Article VII

The Article VII process involves an evaluation of all potential impacts from the Project and will include a detailed environmental impact assessment. Other agencies, like the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, are parties to the Article VII process. 

Other Agency Permits

Permits from other agencies are also required before construction can start. 

  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will issue a permit under the Clean Water Act for construction activities in any waters under its jurisdiction (these typically include wetlands in upstate New York). 
  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reviews the project and makes determinations regarding structure heights and proximity to air fields. 
  • New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) and local highway permits will also be required for various Project road crossings.
  • National Grid will work with the railroad company on obtaining an occupancy agreement and any other permits needed for construction along the railroad corridor.

Public Involvement and Comment

The permitting process includes opportunities for public involvement and comment from permitting through construction. To contact National Grid with a question or comment, click the "Contact Us" link above.

How to Become a Party:

Interested persons who wish to participate as parties in this case may file for party status. This may be done through the Commission’s web site. From the home page of the Commission’s web site (www.dps.ny.gov), a prospective party should click on "Search.” On the Search page, the "Search by Case Number” box should be filled in with the number for this case (Case #18-T-0561). This will bring the user to the main Document and Matter Management ("DMM”) page for this case. On that page, the prospective party should click the button at the upper right labeled "Request for Party Status” to see a web page with instructions for the procedures to follow to become a party. An application to become a party to this case can be filed anytime while the case remains open with the Commission.

Contact National Grid directly with a question or comment.

Documents Library

Frequently Asked Questions

Project Map

Project Segments

The Project is comprised of 6 segments, each with a unique transmission corridor and construction plan. Below are descriptions of each segment. For segment locations and visualizations, please see the Project Map above.

Segment 1 (Mile 0 to 8): Located in the Towns of Evans and Hamburg, Segment 1 generally involves the removal of existing double-circuit 115kV lattice structures and associated lines (wires), along with the removal of an existing 34.5kV sub-transmission line in the corridor. These structures will be replaced with a triple-circuit monopole structure that will house two 115kV transmission lines and one 34.5kV transmission line. Due to existing physical constraints, there are two exceptions to this general design:

  • The first structure outside of the North Angola Substation will be reused.
  • For one mile between South Creek Road and Lakeview Road, a new double-circuit 115kV monopole structure will replace the existing lattice structure. The 34.5kV sub-transmission structure will remain in place.

Segment 2 (Mile 8 to 11.6): Located in the Town of Hamburg, the existing double-circuit 115kV lattice structures and associated lines will be removed and replaced with a double-circuit 115kV monopole structure, which will be built approximately 38 feet to the east of the existing lattice structure. For approximately 3.4 miles between Pleasant Ave and Camp Road, the new 115kV facilities will swap locations with the existing 34.5kV sub-transmission line, which will be rebuilt where the existing lattice structure now stands.

Segment 3 (Mile 11.6 to 15.4): Segment 3 is located in the Town of Hamburg and generally involves the removal of existing double-circuit 115kV lattice structures and associated lines. The structures will be replaced with a new double-circuit 115kV monopole structure on the existing centerline of the transmission lines. Exceptions to this general design include:

  • For an approximately .2-mile span near Big tree Road, the existing 115kV double-circuit lattice structure and 34.5kV sub-transmission structure will be removed and replaced with a new triple-circuit monopole structure, housing two 115kV lines and one 34.5kV line.
  • Some structures will not be removed and will instead have the existing conductor (wires) replaced with new conductor. These structures are located near the FedEx distribution facility and south of the Mile Strip Expressway.
  • West of Seneca drive, three structures would be rebuilt in the general design, but the centerline will be moved approximately 38 feet to the west.

 

Segment 4 (Runs east to west. Then mile 15.3 to 16.9): Located in the Town of Lackawanna, the existing double-circuit 115kV lattice structures and associated wires would be removed and not replaced in the transmission right-of-way (ROW). The new structures would instead be built in the Segment 4 Bypass ROW, described below.

Segment 4 Bypass: The Segment 4 Bypass is located in the Towns of Hamburg and Lackawanna, and will be built using existing an existing transmission right-of-way. A new double-circuit 115kV monopole structure will be built to the west of existing double-circuit 115kV lattice structures.

Segment 5 (Mile 16.9 to 18.9): Located in the Towns of Lackawanna and West Seneca, the existing single-circuit 34.5kV lattice structure would be removed and replace with a double-circuit 115kV monopole structure. Also, the existing double-circuit 115kV lattice structure would be removed and replaced with a single-circuit 34.5kV sub-transmission pole structure.

Segment 6 (Mile 18.9 to 20.3): Located in the Town of West Seneca and terminating before the Gardenville Substation, Segment 6 generally involves the removal of existing double-circuit 115kV lattice structures and replacing them approximately 45 feet west of the existing centerline with a double-circuit 115kV monopole structure. The final .4 miles of the project (near Meyer Road, State Highway 400, and Center Road) would involve reconductoring (replacing wires) on existing lattice structures.


Construction Process

Rebuilding an electric transmission line involves a variety of activities set out in phases. Below are sample descriptions and photos; actual construction sequencing, methods, and materials will vary.

aerial photo of a marshelling yard

1. Site Preparation:
The first phase of site preparation and construction is tree and brush clearing. Clearing allows construction crews to build access roads and remove any trees that are in danger of falling into the transmission lines. Marshaling yards will be established to house materials and construction crews.

photo of a bucket loader

2. Environmental Controls:
Next, environmental controls would be installed to mitigate construction impacts to the area. These can include matting, silt fence, concrete washouts, among others.

photo of transmission lines and a truck servicing them

3. Transmission Line Rebuilding:
The next phase would be transmission line rebuilding, where foundations are poured, structures are spotted and erected, and new wire is strung and energized. Old structures would be removed from the transmission right-of-way. This work would be done with a variety of equipment, including cranes and other heavy equipment.

transmission lines in an open field

4. Restoration:
The final phase of construction is ground surface restoration, in which the construction area is restored to the condition it was in before construction.

Construction Schedule

Construction began in the Fall of 2022. Please continue to check back for project updates.

  • Project Update:
    • Matting and access road installation will begin from structure 175 to 248
    • Material delivery and hauling will continue at laydown yards
    • Rope and wire pulling, sagging/clipping/dead-ending will continue from structure 136-152
    • Removal of wooden sub-transmission poles will continue between Camp Road and Cloverbank Road
    • Framing and setting of new transmission structures will begin from structure 153 to 173
    • Restoration and mat removal continues from structure 99 to 111
  • Project Update:
    • Restoration and mat removal continues from structure 86 to 100
    • Wire pulling, wire transfer, and permanent cutover work continues from structure 132 to 135
    • Removal of original transmission towers will begin from structure 113 to131
    • Removal of wooden sub-transmission poles will continue between Camp Road and Cloverbank Road
    • Matting and access road installation will begin from structure 175 to 248
  • 2/28/24 Project Update:
    • ROW restoration and mat removal continues from structure 84 to 91
    • Staking continues at various structures
    • Wire pulling continues from structure 113 to 136 on the Ridge – Shaleton #610 Sub-Transmission line and from structure 114 to 136 on the Gardenville – Dunkirk 141/142 Transmission line
    • Mat placement and storage will begin between structures 208 and 209 in the Town of Evans
  • 2/14/24 Project Update:
    • Framing and setting of structures continues south of Rogers Road in Hamburg
    • ROW restoration and mat removal continues from structure 67 to 78 and structures 81 to 89
    • Staking continues at various structures
    • Wire pulling continues from structures 96 to 113
    • Snow removal continues from structures 88 to 132
    • Mat placement and storage will begin at structures 208 and 209
  • 1/31/2024 Project Update:
    • ROW restoration and mat removal continues from structure 67 to 78
    • Staking continues at various structures
    • Wire pulling continues from structures 89 to 113
    • Snow removal continues at various structures
  • 1/17/2024 Project Update:
    • Winter weather conditions have led to a pause on certain portions of the project
    • Crews are working on snow removal along the project right-of-way
    • Framing and setting of structures 115-131 will continue as weather conditions allow
    • Wire pulling will continue between structures 108 and 114
  • 1/3/2024 Project Update:
    • ROW restoration and mat removal continues from structure 67 to 78
    • Mat installation from structure 154 to 173 has been completed
    • Staking continues at various structures
    • Wire pulling continues from structures 89 to 113
    • Drilling and pouring of foundations will begin from structure 154 to 173
  • 12/7/2023 Project Update:
      • ROW restoration and mat removal continues from structures 67 to 69
      • Mat installation from structures 154 to 173 has been completed
      • Staking continues at various structures
      • Wire pulling continues from structures 79 to 89
  • 11/22/2023 Project Update:
      • ROW restoration and mat removal is underway from structures 67 to 69
      • Mat installation continues from structures 154 to 173
      • Staking continues at various structures
      • Wire pulling continues from structures 69 to 78 and 89 to 113
  • 11/8/2023 Project Update:
      • ROW restoration and mat removal is underway from structures 45 to 62.5
      • Mat installation continues from structures 154 to 173
      • Staking is continues at various structures
      • Drilling and pouring for foundation installation continues at several locations
      • Wire pulling continues from structures 70 to 79
  • 10/26/2023 Project Update:
    • ROW restoration and mat removal is underway from structures 48 to 59
    • Mat installation continues from structures 155 to 171
    • Staking is continuing from structures 160 to 173
    • Drilling and pouring for foundation installation continues at several locations
    • Wire pulling continues from structures 70 to 79
  • 10/11/2023 Project Update:
    • ROW restoration and mat removal is underway from structures 47 to 66
    • Mat installation continues from structures 153 to 173
    • Staking is continuing from structures 153 to 173
    • Drilling and pouring for foundation installation continues at several locations
    • Wire pulling continues from structures 47 to 63
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
  • 9/27/23 Project Update:
    • ROW restoration and mat removal is underway from structure 24-27 and structures 58-62
    • Mat installation continues from structure 153-173
    • Drilling and pouring for foundation installation continues at several locations
    • Wire pulling continues from structure 62 to 74
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
  • 9/13/2023 Project Update:
    • ROW restoration and mat removal is underway from structure 15 to 16. 5 and structures 46 to 61
    • Mat installation continues from structure 130 to 152
    • Staking is to begin from structure 153 to 173
    • Drilling and pouring for foundation installation continues at several locations
    • Wire pulling continues from structure 64 to 70
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
  • 8/30/2023 Project Update:
    • ROW restoration and mat removal is underway from structure 21 to 27
    • Mat installation continues from structure 150 to 152
    • Drilling and pouring for foundation installation continues at several locations
    • Wire pulling continues from structure 60 to 70
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
  • 8/16/2023 Project Update:
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Staking for forestry continues at several structures
    • Clearing of danger trees continues
    • Matting continues from structures 114 to 152
    • Foundation installation continues at several structures
  • 8/2/2023 Project Update:

    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Staking for forestry continues at several structures
    • Clearing of danger trees continues
    • Matting continues from structures 114 to 152
    • Foundation installation continues at several structures

  • 7/19/2023 Project Update:
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Staking for forestry continues at several structures
    • Clearing of danger trees continues
    • Matting continues from structures 114 to 152
    • Foundation installation continues at several structures
  • 7/7/2023 Project Update:

    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Staking for forestry continues at several structures
    • Clearing of danger trees continues
    • Matting continues from structures 114 to 152
    • Foundation installation continues at several structures

     

  • 6/21/2023 Project Update:
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Staking for forestry continues at several structures
    • Clearing of danger trees from structures 113-70, 132, 133, 154, 174, 176, 178, 210 has begun
    • Matting continues at from structures 114 to 152
    • Foundation installation continues at several structures
  • 6/7/23 Project Update:
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Staking for forestry continues at several structures
    • Clearing of danger trees from structures 113-70, 132, 133, 154, 174, 176, 178, 210 152 has begun
    • Matting continues at from structures 114 to 152
    • Foundation installation continues at several structures
  • 5/24/2023 Project Update:
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Staking for forestry is continuing at several structures
    • Clearing of danger trees from structures 114 to 152 has began
    • Matting continues at from structures 114 to 152
    • Foundation installation completed at structures 75, 84 and 85. Foundation installation is being worked on at several structures.
  • 5/10/2023 Project Update:
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Staking for forestry will begin at several structures
    • Clearing of danger trees from structures 114 to 152 has been scheduled to begin
    • Matting continues at several structures
    • Foundation installation continues at several structures
  • 4/26/2023 Project Update:
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Clearing of danger trees to begin in the coming weeks
    • Matting continues at several structures
    • Foundation installation continues at several structures
    • Framing of structures continues at several stations
    • Wire pulling will begin at several structures

  • 4/14/2023 Project Update:
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Danger trees at several structures have been approved for removal
    • Clearing of danger trees to begin with removal process in the upcoming weeks
    • Matting continues at several structures
    • Foundation installation continues at structures
    • Structures and switches have been installed at several stations
    • Framing of structures continues at several stations
  • 3/29/2023 Project Update:
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Danger trees at several structures have been approved for removal
    • Matting began at several structures
    • Foundation installation began at several structures
    • Structures and switches have been installed at several stations
    • Framing of structures began at several stations
  • 3/15/2023 Project Update:
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Danger trees at several structures have been approved for removal
    • Matting began at several structures
    • Structures and switches have been installed at several stations
  • 3/1/2023 Project Update:
    • Material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Danger trees at several structures have been approved for removal
    • Wreck out has been completed at 610 Tap
    • Crews began pouring foundations at several structures and will continue over the next few weeks
    • Structures and switches have been installed at several stations
  • 2/15/2023 Project Update:
    • Material deliveries, including the final deliveries of conductor (electric transmission line wire), are ongoing at the laydown yards
    • Foundation construction began at several switch structures and will continue over the next few weeks
    • Transmission line structures will be installed in the upcoming weeks at several locations
  • 2/1/2023 Project Update:
    • Conductor and material deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • The removal of danger trees (trees which pose a danger to the transmission line but may be outside the project right-of-way) are scheduled for spring 2023.
    • Foundation construction is scheduled to start at switch structures in the next few weeks
    • Part of outage plan has been approved
  • 1/18/2023 Project Update:
    • Deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Vegetation clearing and mowing completed at several structures
    • Access roads and matting have been completed at several structures
    • Relocated mat bridge over Smoke Creek
    • Foundation construction is scheduled to start at switch structures in the next few weeks
  • 1/4/2023 Project Update:
    • Fencing is ongoing at laydown yard
    • Deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Clearing and mowing will continue in the right of way
    • Work is continuing on access road and matting
     
  • 12/21/2022 Project Update:
    • Fencing is ongoing at laydown yard
    • Deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Clearing and mowing will continue in the right of way
  • 12/7/2022 Project Update:
    • Clearing and mowing will continue in the right of way
    • Fencing is ongoing at laydown yard
    • Deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Work is continuing on access road and matting
    • Danger tree removal has been scheduled for spring 2023
  • 11/23/2022 Project Update:
    • Clearing and mowing will continue in the right of way
    • Fencing is ongoing at laydown yard
    • Deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards
    • Work has begun on access road and matting


  • 11/10/2022 Project Update:
    • Clearing and mowing will begin in the right of way
    • Fencing to be installed
    • Deliveries are ongoing at laydown yards 

     

  • 9/28/2022 Project Update
    • Work continues at laydown yards
    • Deliveries and site preparation are ongoing
    • Fencing to be installed
    • Work continues on Station 207, construction has begun in the right-of-way.

     

  • 7/6/2022 Project Update:
    • Material deliveries continue at the laydown yard at 1864 Eden Evans Center Rd. 
    • Laydown yard improvements have started at 300 Commerce Drive in Lackawanna and 1864 Eden Evans Center Rd. 

     

  • 6/24/2022 Project Update:
    •  Construction has started on Ridge Road in West Seneca.

     

  • 5/18/2022 Project Update:
    • The PSC has approved the project EM&CP. National Grid anticipates that it will begin site preparation and construction of its Gardenville – Dunkirk 141/142 Transmission Rebuild Project on or about June 1. Work on the project will begin on Ridge Road in West Seneca. 
  • 8/01/2021 Project Update
    • Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP) filed with the PSC
  • 6/14/2021 Project Update
    • The project team plans to submit the Environmental Management and Construction Plan this summer.
    • The real estate team is contacting landowners about items that may need to be removed in the construction right-of-way.
    • Crews continue performing activities on the transmission right-of-way to support engineering and design. Please note that contractors and National Grid employees are required to carry photo identification.
  • 9/02/20 Project Update:
    • Crews continue performing activities on the transmission right-of-way to support engineering and design. Please note that contractors and National Grid employees are required to carry photo identification.
  • 5/29/2019 Project Update:
    • Survey crews are currently performing activities on the transmission right-of-way to support engineering design. These activities include the use of motorized equipment; we ask that our neighbors stay clear of this equipment for safety. Please note that contractors and National Grid employees are required to carry photo identification. 
  • Public Statement Hearing:
    • A Public Statement Hearing for National Grid's Gardenville - Dunkirk #141/142 Transmission Rebuild Project was held Thursday, April 18, 2019, at Hamburg Town Hall, Conference Room 7, at 6100 South Park Ave, Hamburg, NY 14075. There was an Information Forum at 6:00 PM, followed by the Public Statement Hearing at 7:00 PM where interested persons placed comments on the record. 
    • More information about the Public Statement Hearing can be found here.

Get in Touch

For more information about the Gardenville - Dunkirk 141/142 Transmission Rebuild Project, please send us an email or call us at (844) 324-3588.

Contact Us

National Grid
P: (844) 324-3588
E: [email protected]