FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2023
CONTACT: Teresa Waugh, mediarelations@wapa.gov, 303-328-8225
Pole Hill Road Closures to Begin For Power Line Construction
LOVELAND, CO – Western Area Power Administration, in collaboration with the United States Forest Service, today announced upcoming Pole Hill Road area closures required for electric power system upgrades.
WAPA and Barnard Construction Company are working to replace 30 circuit miles of existing transmission lines. This project will reduce the transmission corridors and associated environmental footprint by combining the two existing wood-pole circuits onto a single steel-pole circuit.
This project will help mitigate fire hazards from power lines and improve maintenance access for routine work and emergencies. WAPA aims to enhance service reliability for the Town of Estes Park by installing more resilient transmission lines.
Pole Hill Road, a popular recreation area, is three miles east of Estes Park off Highway 36. Pole Hill Road starts on private land with many side roads branching off. The National Forest boundary is 0.9 miles from the highway.
For public safety and to support the efforts of WAPA’s project, the Forest Service’s Canyon Lakes Ranger District is enforcing a temporary closure of the Pole Hill Road and surrounding area from August 16 to September 6, 2023, and again from September 25 to October 10, 2023, while work is taking place. Dates may change due to unforeseen issues or inclement weather.
The closure includes lands within one-quarter mile of the transmission power lines and portions of National Forest System Roads 122, 122A, 247, 247A, 247B and 247D. Forest visitors are encouraged to check our website for alternative locations to recreate. If you don’t find the information you are looking for, please contact our information services staff at visitarp@usda.gov.
As part of this project, helicopters will operate near the road and transmission corridors, where they will assist in facility upgrades. Due to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, residents and recreationalists are advised to remain indoors while helicopter operations are in progress nearby.
Residents in the area may notice increased activity from construction trucks and cranes. At times, visitors and residents may experience a combination of traffic control signs and crew members with flags to ensure safety.
For personal safety, residents are advised to:
- Secure backyard umbrellas and canopies
- To prevent dust, keep doors and windows closed
- Be cautious with pets and horses amid helicopter noise
The safety of residents, our workforce and the public remain our top priority during this construction activity. We urge community members to refrain from approaching crews during their operations.
While WAPA anticipates some disruptions, we assure residents and recreational users that we make every effort to minimize potential impacts during construction activities. We thank the community for their patience during this important project. For questions or concerns, contact Barnard Construction Company Project Liaison Kenny Lafayette at 425-229-1744, or visit our Estes-Flatiron Transmission Line Rebuild Project website.
Last modified on December 30th, 2024