The second phase of Dominion Power’s rebuild of a 115 kV transmission line from the Balcony Falls substation, southeast of Glasgow, to Buena Vista, was approved May 12 by the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors.
This phase of the project extends for approximately 6.77 miles from the southwest side of the southern intersection of U.S. 501 (Glasgow Highway) and Va. 663 (River Road) heading north and ending at the western city limits of Buena Vista.
The proposed rebuild project crosses through the agricultural and limited uses (A-1), agricultural and general uses (A-2) and residential general (R-1) zoning districts, all of which require a special exception permit for public utilities. Following an earlier recommendation of the Planning Commission, the supervisors approved two SEPs – one for the rebuild project and a second one for putting portions of the project in a floodway zone.
The project involves replacing 38 structures, modifying two existing structures and erecting 13 new structures. Existing structures are galvanized steel lattice towers. The proposed new structures will be of weathering steel, giving them a brown appearance to complement the surrounding area. The rebuilt structures will be H-frame and monopoles and be in the same general location as the existing structures. No structures will be taller than 110 feet.
Two portions of the project are within the floodway. The first is on the southwest side of the southern intersection of Glasgow Highway and River Road. The second is on the north side of River Road, approximately 1.55 miles west of the northern intersection of Glasgow Highway and River Road.
Implementation of the project will begin by Nov. 1 and be completed by Jan. 1, 2029, with up to a fourmonth extension allowed upon written request by the applicant to the zoning administrator detailing the reasons for the extension.
