A 46-kV subtransmission power line that will run alongside Highway 515 is still in the planning stages, but construction on the project could begin as early as this fall.
Georgia Transmission’s Whitepath Electric Reliability project was rerouted from Boardtown Road to Highway 515/Industrial Boulevard in 2021. The rerouting followed public meetings and a Save Boardtown campaign in which Boardtown residents voiced opposition to the power line and poles being installed there.
The current route begins on Industrial Boulevard and runs along Highway 515 to just near Cherry Log Street.
“We’re going about 10 miles north of Ellijay, and there will be a substation there, (near Cherry Log Street),” said Craig Heighton, Georgia Transmission public affairs director.
“Because of topography and engineering constraints, the line will cross Highway 515 at several points and will utilize areas of opportunity on both the northbound and southbound sides of the highway,” he added.
Georgia Transmission is currently in the process of obtaining easements from property owners, Heighton confirmed.
“Since our (public) meetings, we’ve been working with GDOT on a place to put the line (and poles) and utilize the road right of way where we can and make it as least obtrusive as possible. That’s been successful,” he said.
“Right now, we’re working with the property owners to secure the easements needed where we need them. We’re able to utilize GDOT (easements) where we can, but it also requires other easements.”
The route has not changed since the initial announcement to use the 515 corridor was made, Heighton confirmed.
“We’re going to try to be as least obtrusive as possible and not (be) an impediment to traffic, but anytime you construct anything (like this), sometimes it has that effect,” he added.
Heighton said roadside clearing for the project could possibly start in late summer, and construction could begin sometime in the October timeframe.