Eversource will be performing transmission upgrade work beginning in late July/early August in South Hadley on Hadley St, Ferry St, Alvord St, Pine St, Lathrop St, Newton St, Purple Heart Drive, Lamb Street, John Lane, and Ludlow Rd.
This project involves installing new communication and grounding wire, called Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), on certain existing transmission structures in the municipalities of Westfield, Southampton, Easthampton, Holyoke, South Hadley, and Chicopee. The OPGW will improve electric reliability by enabling communication between Eversource’s substations.
Eversource has been before the town’s Conservation Commission and received all necessary permits and have conducted outreach to abutting property owners most impacted. They will be notifying all abutters of their work with the attached letter and flyer before work begins. Over the course of construction, they will continue to conduct outreach with a combination of letters, door hangers, phone calls and e-mails.
As mentioned, Eversource plans to begin work in late July/early August 2020 with project completion scheduled for mid-November 2020. Restoration of disturbed areas may continue into 2021. The hours of construction will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Community Outreach representatives go door-to-door for property owners who live near the right of way. Due to the ongoing health concerns with COVID-19, Eversource will drop off door hanger notices at homes, but will not request in person meetings or to speak face to face with property owners as part of this outreach.
Any residents with questions or concerns can reach out to the Eversource Projects Hotline at 1(800) 793-2202 or e-mail them at ProjectInfor@eversource.com.