A New Year is here - but UI's commitment to customers is unwavering
Read an update on the Project and why it is so important to finish this last phase from Jim Cole, UI's Vice President of Projects.
Read MoreRead an update on the Project and why it is so important to finish this last phase from Jim Cole, UI's Vice President of Projects.
Read MorePlans have been revised by the CT Siting Council, updates will be posted as soon as they are available
More InformationThe UI Railroad Transmission Line Upgrade Project rebuilds UI’s transmission lines along the 25 miles of the Metro North Railroad(MNR) corridor between Fairfield and West Haven. This includes installation of approximately 500 new foundation supported galvanized transmission poles, upgrading of conductor size and installing sectionalizing switches at nearby substations. This project will enhance the structural integrity and reliability of the high voltage transmission lines along the MNR corridor allowing UI to continue to provide safe, reliable electric service to our customers for years to come.
The upgrades will improve the reliability and resiliency of the transmission system, ensuring that the safe and reliable transmission of power is maintained throughout Fairfield and New Haven County in accordance with Federal reliability standards.
Construction start of the first phase: Dec. 2017
Estimated in-service date of final phase: 2028 Q3
115kV Transmission Line Upgrade
Crossing Replacement
Stratford 115-kV Transmission Line Upgrade Project consisting of the removal and relocation of northern and southern sections of existing 115-kilovolt (kV) transmission line structures from Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) catenary structures within the Metro-North Railroad corridor to new 115-kV transmission line structures to be located within the existing ConnDOT right of way and upgrade of 115-kV conductors extending approximately 1.9 miles from UI’s Baird Substation to just west of the Housatonic River in Stratford, Connecticut, and related substation improvements
Rebuild 9.5 miles from Milvon Substation (Milford, CT) to West River Substation (New Haven, CT).
Relocate the transmission lines off the existing CT DOT railroad catenary bonnets and install on independent monopoles with new insulators, hardware and conductor on new monopole structures in the railroad corridor.
Additional Links and Documents
More information is available in the Document Library
UI is working to understand the impacts for putting the project on the north side due to the CSC decision, engineering efforts will begin immediately. Additional Links and Documents
Additional Links and Documents
UI is committed to working cooperatively with our customers, neighbors, community leaders and regulators as we improve reliability while minimizing disruption to the environment and community. We have a dedicated team of public outreach liaisons who will be involved throughout the duration of the project to answer any questions you may have.
Below are the stages of the project construction process that you may see in your community.
1) Laying matting and building access roads for construction vehicles while protecting the area
2) Tree clearing – trimming "danger trees" that may cause service interruption
3) Drilling foundations which will support the new galvanized steel poles
4) Setting the bolt cage for the foundation structure
5) Pouring concrete for the foundations
6) Final concrete cap for the steel monopoles
7) Setting the poles into the foundation
8) Stringing the wire (conductor) onto the poles
9) Restoration - grading, seeding & mulch. Access roads removed.
Updated May 2020
UI is designing the Project to avoid and minimize negative impacts to the community and the environment. Early Project planning efforts included the completion of a set of resource assessments to clarify important planning considerations such as water resources; soil characteristics; cultural resources; and sensitive plant and animal species. Active regulatory coordination and reviews preceded numerous permitting efforts and are ongoing through the construction phase of the Project. UI has secured the necessary authorizations reviews and permits from agencies across federal, state and local administration agencies. Consultations and permits have been pursued from the following agencies for the Project:
Federal
State of Connecticut
Local and Regional
Title | Date |
---|---|
Fairfield to Congress Fact Sheet | 07/10/2024 |
Due Diligence | 04/12/2024 |
Jim Cole Op Ed January 2024 | 01/22/2024 |
Fairfield to Congress - Real Estate Glossary | 11/29/2023 |
Importance of a Strong Electric Grid Op-Ed | 11/01/2023 |
Public Meeting Postcard (003) | 01/13/2023 |
Open House Postcard | 01/13/2023 |
Public Meeting Postcard | 01/13/2023 |
Title | Date |
---|---|
Hearing Mailing | 02/25/2022 |
Open House Postcard | 02/25/2022 |
Right of Way Cross Sections | 02/22/2022 |
Transcript: Milvon to West River Transmission Open House Video | 01/18/2022 |
Transcript: Milvon to West River Transmission Line Upgrade Project Video | 01/18/2022 |
CT DEEP Natural Diversity Database Species Protection Best Management Practices | 12/23/2021 |
FAQ Sheet - Milvon to West River | 12/20/2021 |
Visual Simulations as shown in the Municipal Consultation filing on 11/28/2021 | 11/28/2021 |
400-Scale MCF Project Mapping | 10/14/2021 |
Phase 4 - Milvon to West River Fact Sheet | 09/04/2020 |
Title | Date |
---|---|
Typical Structure Foundation Details | 12/23/2021 |
Connecticut Siting Council Process | 12/23/2021 |
Design with Community in Mind | 11/22/2021 |
Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) | 11/22/2021 |
Permitting: Environmental and Regulatory | 11/22/2021 |
Comparison of Underground and Overhead Power Lines | 11/22/2021 |
Phase 3 - HRX to Baird Fact Sheet | 03/17/2021 |
Phase 3 - Raymark/Contract Plating Info sheet | 05/01/2020 |
Project Updates - The application for Certificate of Public Need and Environmental Compatibility has been submitted to the Connecticut Siting Council(CSC). For more information see the CSC website at Docket No 516 (ct.gov). The Siting Council made a final decision on Feb. 15 changing the route to the northern side of the CTDOT tracks between Fairfield and Ash Creek. Redesign will begin immediately and will be communicated as soon as it is available. UI will make every effort to expedite the process but anticipates a new design will be available by Q1 2025.
Cornerstone Energy Services, Inc. ("Cornerstone”) is a trusted land acquisition contractor currently working on our behalf. Cornerstone’s Land Agent Team will be working alongside UI’s Land Management Department and Project Team throughout the Land Rights Acquisition phase of the due diligence process as a result of the CT Siting Council’s approval of the Hannon-Morissette alternative on the Fairfield to Congress Transmission Project.
Now and in the upcoming months, Cornerstone will make contact efforts to property owners in Fairfield and Southport parcels to request Right of Entry permission in order for UI and their contractors to complete due diligence tasks such as field studies, soil tests, environmental analysis, review of current infrastructure, etc. Land Agents will be reaching out via phone, email or in-person to discuss the details related to their due diligence and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the project.
Further info about our Land Agents contractor, can be found here: Cornerstone Energy Services (cornerstoneenergyinc.com)
Construction Update – Detailed engineering stage, Construction expected to begin in 2025-2026
Project update – Completed the Connecticut Siting Council approval process, Docket No 508 (ct.gov)
Construction Update - As we head into 2024, maintaining the east to west trajectory we will be working in New Haven and West Haven with efforts focusing on vegetation removal, matting, temporary and permanent road construction, drilling and pouring foundations, installing structures, and stringing conductor.
Read what types of activities you will see throughout the phases of construction.
T: 1-888-848-3697
E: [email protected]