Kenwood Transmission Line Upgrade

The existing 3.3-mile line will be rebuilt within the road right of way between the 40th Street Substation at 4055 13th Ave. N. and the 16th Street Substation at 105 16th St. N. Most of the new structures will be installed in generally the same alignment as the existing ones between the curb and the sidewalk, offset by approximately 5 to 8 feet.

As the population grows in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, so do the energy needs. The rebuilt transmission line will help strengthen reliability and meet the growing demand for energy. The upgrades to the line will also help protect the line against extreme weather conditions that we often experience in Florida. The upgraded transmission lines and poles will require less maintenance.

Transmission lines are power lines that carry electricity from power plants (which may include renewable energy sources) to substations, which then deliver the energy to our customers.

Current construction plans call for the existing wood poles to be replaced with steel, single-pole structures. The average height of the new steel or concrete transmission poles will be approximately 80 feet tall, similar to the existing poles. Along 13th Ave. N. from 34th St., the existing poles are taller where the line is co-located with another transmission line. The new poles in this location will be similar in height to the existing poles.

Our team has identified what vegetation clearing is needed to accommodate access and equipment for the installation of the new lines, the removal of the existing ones and the ongoing reliable and safe operation of the line. Most of the vegetation and tree clearing will be done in city road right of way. We are working with property owners where vegetation or tree clearing may be needed outside the road right of way.

Construction crews generally work weekdays during daylight hours and carry identification showing their affiliation with Duke Energy. The crews use a variety of vehicles and equipment to build concrete foundations and to place and erect poles and string wires. There may be temporary traffic lane closures and parking limitations along the route. Neighbors can expect large equipment including trucks, cranes and excavators or a concrete mixer in the easement area. You may also see crews relocating other utilities (lower-voltage lines, cable, phone, etc.) from the existing structures to the new structures.

We do not anticipate any power outages while crews are working to upgrade the line.

Concrete is poured at the bottom of a deep hole to form the foundation. The structure materials arrive in; sections and may be assembled on the ground before being installed. The final construction activity is wire stringing. Trucks carrying large reels of conductor are typically used, with a winch to pull the conductor through. Lineworkers attach the wires to the structures. Following construction, the old poles and wires will be removed, and the area will be restored as closely as possible to its original condition.

Preliminary preparations for the project began in 2021, including staking. Vegetation removal began in late 2022. Construction is expected to start in early 2023 and conclude in early 2024. You will see a period of no construction activity between May 2023 and December 2023 because the line cannot be out of service during peak energy demand.