Disston Transmission Line Upgrade

The project is in the cities of Pinellas Park, Seminole, Largo and unincorporated Pinellas County, Fla., in an existing Duke Energy transmission corridor. 

Due to significant historic and projected growth in Pinellas County, Duke Energy is planning enhancements to the local transmission system to help ensure a reliable supply of energy to homes, schools and businesses in the area. This project is one of several transmission projects in Pinellas County that will allow more capacity and help improve reliability in the region. The transmission system is the backbone of the electric system. Upgraded transmission lines also allow for the efficient movement of energy from renewable energy sources.

Transmission lines are power lines that carry electricity from power plants (which may include renewable energy sources) to substations, which then deliver the energy to our communities and to other utilities within the state.

Current construction plans call for most of the new line to be installed on existing or upgraded poles. In some cases, single-pole structures will be installed near existing structures in the same alignment as the current structures. As design and engineering proceed, we’ll be able to share more specific project details. 

Our team will identify vegetation clearing needed for access and the equipment to upgrade the transmission corridor and the ongoing reliable and safe operation of the lines. This work is necessary to help ensure reliable service to our customers by limiting or eliminating the possibility of contact with vegetation that has grown toward or could fall into the overhead power lines. Our objective is to maintain the lines – before the trees and brush are close enough to cause outages – in a manner that’s consistent with good arboricultural practices. We will work with property owners where vegetation or tree clearing may be needed on their property.

Construction crews generally work weekdays during daylight hours and carry identification showing their affiliation with Duke Energy. The crews use a variety of vehicles and equipment to build concrete foundations and to place and erect poles and string wires. There may be temporary traffic lane closures and parking limitations along the route. Neighbors can expect large equipment, including trucks, cranes, excavators or a concrete mixer, in the easement area. You may also see crews relocating other utilities (lower-voltage lines, cable, phone, etc.) from existing structures to new ones. 

Concrete is poured at the bottom of a deep hole to form the foundation. The structure materials arrive in sections and may be assembled on the ground before being installed. The final construction activity is wire stringing. Trucks carrying large reels of conductor are typically used, with a winch to pull the conductor through. Linemen attach the wires to the structures. The area will be restored as closely as possible to its original condition after construction.

Preliminary preparations for the project will begin in 2024. You may see staking, soil borings and land surveying activities to prepare for construction. The construction is expected to start in 2025 or 2026 and conclude in 2027. You may see gaps in construction activity.