Why Are We Doing This Project?

Recent inspections and engineering analysis of the W179 transmission line revealed that many of the structures are in poor condition due to their age, woodpecker damage, insect damage, and pole rot.

The W179 transmission line currently has 175 structures. Of these, 5 are already weathering steel and will not be replaced. This project will replace the remaining 170 structures with weathering steel structures of a similar design. In addition, the conductor (wire) is being replaced, and fiber optic cable, known as Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), is being installed the entire length of the line. This project also includes replacing poles along the Pontook Tap, a 200-foot-long power line that connects the W179 main line to the Pontook Station.

This maintenance is part of our ongoing investments to deliver reliable energy to our customers and communities.

Where Is The Work Being Done?

This work will take place within the existing right-of-way (powerline corridor) of the W179 line, a 115-kilovolt (kV) line built in 1947. This line is 16 miles long and runs from the Berlin Eastside Substation in Berlin to the Paris Substation in Dummer.

The W179 line starts at the Berlin Eastside Substation in Berlin and ends at the Paris Substation in Dummer. Read the project plans summary for additional detail. This map set is subject to change due to permitting, constructability, and other considerations.

This transmission line crosses the following roads:

Berlin
Route 16 (Riverside Drive), East Milan Road, Success Pond Road 

Milan
State Garage Road, Route 110B (Milan Hill Road)

Dummer
Route 110A (Muzzey Hill Road)

Community Outreach

We're committed to engaging municipal officials, residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders about upcoming project activities through municipal briefings, mailings, site meetings, virtual meetings and door-to-door outreach, while adhering to COVID-19 social distancing and other related health and safety guidelines.

We utilize a variety of outreach methods to ensure that all customers and property owners along our transmission lines receive adequate and timely information about our projects. For this Project, we will be sending periodic updates as letters mailed directly to all stakeholders, as well as a combination of the following additional methods:

• Door-to-door outreach
• Site visits (upon request)
• Virtual meetings (upon request)
• Signage placed strategically near construction areas or in residential areas
• Regular field presence to ensure the safety of our customers, nearby property owners, and our construction crews
• Read the Project Introduction Letter
• Read the Project Introduction Fact Sheet

Commitment to Safety

We take every safety precaution while working in local communities, and all people working on the construction project carry identification. The project work will not interrupt electric service to homes or businesses.

We remain committed to prioritizing public health as well as the health of employees and contractors during COVID-19. All Eversource personnel follow applicable health and safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Have Questions?

Keeping the lines of communication open is an important part of our work in your community.

For questions or more information about the project, please contact us at 888-926-5334 or NHProjectsInfo@eversource.com.