BELCO Transmission Upgrade Project Update
BELCO provided an update on the Transmission Upgrade Project in the west end of the island.
A spokesperson said, “Beginning Wednesday, June 17, traffic controls, including temporary traffic lights and manual traffic controls where required, will be in place between Whale Bay Road and Evans Bay, as part of the final phase of the West End Transmission Upgrade Project.
“This work involves trenching to lay the conduit that houses BELCO’s underground transmission cables. As part of the wider project, BELCO is replacing 40% of its current underground transmission cables that are over 50 years old, with nearly 25% having served Bermuda for over 60 years. The new cables are being installed in multi-service duct banks that will reduce the need to dig up the roads for cable replacement in the foreseeable future.
“Transmission cables are the high-voltage cables that serve as the backbone of Bermuda’s electricity grid. They connect to substations around the island where the voltage is stepped down and then fed into the distribution network and further stepped down to supply homes and businesses. Because many of these cables are well beyond their useful lifespan, they are more prone to faults, system vulnerabilities and higher maintenance costs, which is why replacing them is essential to maintaining a reliable supply and to supporting the addition of more renewable energy in the future.
“Wherever possible throughout the west end, crews have routed the trench along the Railway Trail rather than the public road in order to reduce the impact on motorists. The final stretch between Whale Bay Road and Evans Bay must run along Middle Road, where there is no trail alignment and no alternative route for traffic. BELCO recognises that this is a significant inconvenience for motorists and residents in the area, and appreciates the community’s continued patience.
“These temporary traffic restrictions are necessary to allow the works to be completed safely and efficiently for the benefit of motorists, residents, and work crews. Motorists are encouraged to use caution when travelling through the area and to follow the traffic signals and signage in place. Motorists should also give themselves additional time to reach their destination, as there are no alternative routes.
“This is the final section of major trenching along a public road for the Transmission Upgrade Project. Once the project reaches Evans Bay, there will be a pause in work. In the third quarter of this year, BELCO crews will excavate sections of the trench to pull sections of cable and joint the new cables. Traffic controls, including manual traffic controls during rush hour periods, will be back in place when the sections of cable are pulled through the conduit and jointed together
“The Transmission, Distribution & Retail assets are being upgraded to improve reliability, reduce costs and expand grid capacity.”
BELCO Managing Director, Shelly Leman said: “Trenching to lay cable duct for our transmission upgrade project in the west end has now reached the final stretch between Whale Bay Road and Evans Bay. This is the final section of large trenching activity along a public road for the Transmission Upgrade Project, with smaller excavation works to pull and joint sections of cable expected later this year. I continue to encourage everyone to drive safely around open trenches and working crews. I thank the public for their patience and understanding and look forward to the project being completed and ensuring a more reliable, and resilient network for all our customers.”
A spokesperson added, “More information about the Transmission Upgrade Project can be found on BELCO’s website at belco.bm.”
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