Ross Prairie to Shaw Transmission Project

Duke Energy is building a new 19-mile, 230-kilovolt transmission line in Marion County, Fla., from the Ross Prairie Substation located at 14950 SW 85th Ave. in Marion County to the Shaw Substation located at 3650 SW 42nd St. in Ocala. The selected route maximizes the use of existing easements.

Engineers and energy system planners use growth and energy usage projections to identify the need for upgrades and expansion of the transmission system. They also continuously monitor the energy system. The growing population of Florida and Marion County (19% growth between 2010 and 2023) means increased demand for energy. 

Construction of the new transmission line is planned to start in 2026 and will take multiple years to complete.

We first identify potential paths and seek feedback from the community. A corridor is a study area that identifies the path the transmission line will follow, but not the exact location. The specific transmission route within the corridor will be narrower and located in easements negotiated with property owners. The process of selecting the corridors and routes is inclusive and comprehensive. We gather information from many sources to analyze the physical, social, cultural and ecological characteristics of the entire study area. We then use community input, real estate and land use information to evaluate potential corridors. We look for corridors and routes that minimize the impact on homes, the community and the environment while meeting the engineering requirements of the project and minimizing the costs to customers. 

Many factors were considered when determining the transmission line route, including community input, cultural resources (e.g., historic structures, archaeological resources and historic cemeteries), environmental resources, water resources, land use, natural resources, occupied buildings, land cover, visual resources, safety, reliability and cost. We also looked at placing new lines where other transmission lines already exist and were able to maximize the use of existing Duke Energy easements on more than half of the selected route.

The new transmission structures will be steel or concrete monopole (single pole) structures. The average height of these structures ranges between 90 and 110 feet but may be as high as 140 feet in some locations when crossing roads or other existing facilities. The diameter of the poles is typically between 3 and 4-1/2 feet at the base. The space between each structure is approximately 600 to 700 feet, on average.

Our goal is to minimize overall impacts to homes, businesses and the community. We also actively work to reduce as much as possible any temporary inconveniences caused to the sensitive areas within the project work zones, including residential communities, equestrian farms and training facilities, and areas with historical and cultural significance.

If an easement is needed on private property, a Duke Energy land services representative will contact the landowner to discuss the easement acquisition process and provide project information specific to their property.

Following the selection of the line route, engineering design and preconstruction activities such as surveying and soil testing will take place. The first phase of construction is clearing trees and vegetation from the easement area to allow safe access for the crews during construction as well as to help ensure the reliability of the line during operation. Workers also may build access roads and place protective construction mats during this phase. Crews will then begin the process of pouring structure foundations and installing structures. Neighbors can expect large trucks with drilling equipment or concrete mixers in the easement area. 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. Lineworkers attach the wires to the structures. In some cases, helicopters may be used to string wires.

In addition to the open houses held in October 2023, Duke Energy has been communicating with representatives from state and local agencies to gather data and research the project study areas. We collected community feedback in a variety of ways, including open house, website, phone, email and comment forms. We will continue to communicate with the public as the project moves forward.