EDMONTON- Work on the Heartland Transmission Project made for quite the sight for motorists in northeast Edmonton, Sunday.
“We’re using a helicopter to string ropes from tower to tower, which will be used eventually to pull the electrical wires from tower to tower,” said Tim Leriche with Epcor.
As the helicopter flew from tower to tower, traffic along Highway 16, near Anthony Henday east, was intermittently delayed. But that didn’t upset too many motorists, as most were intrigued by the unique work being done.
“I’ve never seen that done. I think it’s nice,” said one stopped motorist.
“To actually see it is quite amazing,” said another halted motorist. “It’s pretty wild.”
Helicopters will be used from time to time for several months while work on the $596 million project continues. Leriche says there are a number of advantages to using a helicopter for a project like this.
“You reduce the fatigue factor for ground crews having to go from tower to tower, it’s quicker and just overall, it’s just a safer way for us to do things.”
And while it is an impressive sight, Leriche wants to remind residents that it is a construction site, and he’s asking people to stay clear while the work is being done.
“First of all it’s a power line, and we’ve got moving equipment. Now we’ve got a helicopter. We just want people to know that it’s happening and they should just stay clear,” he explained. “We certainly won’t be flying at night or when the conditions are unsafe.”
The project hasn’t been without controversy. Attempts were made to have the line built underground, by members of Strathcona County who were concerned for health reasons. However, the appeals were shot down by the Alberta Utilities Commission.
Once complete, the overhead transmission line will connect the Heartland Substation- northwest of Fort Saskatchewan- to the Ellerslie Substation.
Watch raw video of the helicopter work being done Sunday, April 21, 2013.
With files from Jenna Bridges.
Follow @CaleyRamsay
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