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Lovell-Yellowtail Transmission Line Rebuild Project

 

Project overview

LVYT-1_158_092512
A contractor crew worked out of the bucket truck, Sept. 25, 2012, to perform dead-ending operations as part of phase 1 of the Lovell-to-Yellowtail transmission line rebuild. (Photo by Bob Kemp)

See more photos of phase 1 and 2 constuction on Flickr.

Western is rebuilding the Lovell-to-Yellowtail No. 1 and No. 2 115-kV transmission lines. The 94-circuit-miles of lines are located between Lovell, Wyo., and Yellowtail Dam, Mont.
The rebuilt transmission lines are needed because the original lines were built by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1956 and 1966. The project will:

  • Ensure reliability and safety of the transmission lines
  • Improve capability to transmit full output from Yellowtail powerplant
  • Allow easier access for maintenance
  • Improve communication capabilities through installed overhead optical ground wire

Schedule

The Lovell-to-Yellowtail No. 1 and No. 2 transmission lines project allows one line to be in service at all times to continue reliable service to the area while the other line is being rebuilt. The rebuild is separated into three phases.

Projected completion of project:

  • Oct. 2012 - Phase 1 Completed: Western rebuilt and energized the section of line in National Park Service Big Horn National Recreation Area.
  • Oct. 2013 - Phase 2: Rebuild and energize section of line in north and south of National Park Service.
  • Sept. 2014 - Phase 3: Rebuild and energize section of line on the Crow Reservation

News/updates

 

Related information

  • Environmental Assessment information -Western completed an environmental review of this project in September 2011. A "Finding of No Significant Impact" was signed Sept. 23, 2011.

Contact

Corporate Communications
Western Area Power Administration
P.O. Box 281213
Lakewood, CO 80228
phone: 720-962-7050
e-mail: corpcomm@wapa.gov