Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
A new steel power pole is erected east of Diamond to replace a wooden one.
WHITMAN COUNTY – Avista is replacing about 140 structures between Marengo and Shawnee as part of a 115kV transmission rebuild. The approximately 68-mile section is part of a rebuild that began in Lind and ends at the Shawnee Substation just southeast of Colfax via Ewan and Diamond.
"It's a pretty big replacement project," said Paul J. Kimmell, business and public affairs for the Palouse region.
The rebuilt is primarily focused on pole replacement and reinforcement of structures with wood poles being replaced by steel ranging from 65 to 90 feet in height. The poles are tall enough to allow clearance in fields for tractors and farm implements. Kimmell noted the steel poles have a longer life, improved reliability and higher fire-resistance the the wooden ones.
Estimated cost for the project is $2.5 million.
The project is expected to be completed by early July. Work began in March and is being done by Potelco which is a contractor for Avista.
Kimmell explained the transmission lines are similar to highways for power lines, with the power being stepped down from there.
Jana Mathia is a reporter at the Whitman County Gazette.
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