Work on a subtransmission power line project along Highway 515 is getting underway after the start date was put on hold for the summer.
Georgia Transmission’s Whitepath 46 kV sub-transmission line project was initially put on hold due to two endangered species of bats in the area, said Terry Buttrill, Georgia Transmission public affairs director.
“Georgia Transmission paused the start of the (project) to comply with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ directive concerning the federally endangered northern long-eared bat and the proposed endangered tricolored bat,” Buttrill said. “The potential summer roosting season for the northern long-eared bat pups is from May 1-July 31, so clearing (started) after July 31 to avoid any impacts to this species.”
Approximately 10 percent of the clearing, which is now being done in the Highway 515/52 area, has been completed and is expected to be done by the end of the first quarter of 2025, Buttrill said.
The start point for the electric reliability project is Industrial Boulevard, and the end point is Lucius Road.
Construction on the south end of the project (Industrial Blvd.) is expected to start Sept. 15 and will include transmission poles being installed. The anticipated finish date for all construction is June 2025.
“Georgia Power is relocating some of their distribution poles to accommodate our transmission poles this month and next,” Buttrill said.