PPL completing upgrade of Heights pole line, work beginning at Girard Manor
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - The Girard Manor pole line on June 6, 2020.
GIRARD MANOR – PPL Electric Utilities is nearing completion of a project to upgrade the pole line atop Locust Mountain at Shenandoah Heights, and their sights are now set on the line to this East Union Township village.
“Both projects are ones where we are replacing old wooden poles with new stronger steel poles and wires,” said PPL Regional Affairs Director Tracie L. Witter. “These newer poles are more resilient during weather and provide our customers with better reliability.”
PPL Regional Affairs Director Tracie L. Witter said work began on the Locust Mountain line in December.
“My understanding is work will continue through the summer to restore the area’s vegetarian to as it was pre-construction,” Witter told the Sentinel. “All new poles and wires are now in place.”
With the Heights line nearing completion, the utility is moving on to reconstruct the pole line to the village of Girard Manor.
Work began in the area a few weeks ago, as contractors began laying a new dirt access road along the pole line both atop Locust Mountain and in the valley.
“Ground work is taking place now and our contractors will be placing new poles and wires in the area throughout the summer,” Witter said.
Witter said residents whose property the pole line crosses, along with elected officials, would have received letters regarding the work. Though, at least two property owners on the East Union Township side reported to the Sentinel they had not received a letter.
In one location, work, involving several pieces of heavy equipment and dozens of tri-axles, is underway within about 100 feet of an occupied residence.
One property owner — the Mahanoy Township Authority — received a letter dated April 17 notifying the water company work was set to begin in May and last through July of next year.
Right of Way Agent David Seeley writes in the letter that work to rebuild the line will include building access roads, drilling and installing pole foundations, transporting equipment, pole erection, wire stringing, and restoration of the right of way.
“Construction will involve the use of heavy equipment and helicopters in some cases,” Seeley writes, asking property owners not to interfere with field work or to approach field crews unannounced.
The work is described in the letter as “necessary to improve electric service for you and your neighbors throughout the region.”
About Author
