TEP field crews are continuing work on upgrades to overhead power lines, underground cables, substation equipment and other components of the local electric system in central Tucson.
In January, field crews started work on a $5.2 million upgrade of overhead distribution lines and underground equipment near North Country Club Road between East Broadway and East Speedway boulevards. Crews replaced nearly two dozen wooden poles with new metal poles, upgraded underground cables and installed new pole-mounted equipment.
Crews are now installing new underground cables and upgrading ground-level electrical equipment along neighborhood streets south of Speedway near Country Club.
“These projects will improve system reliability and capacity of the electrical infrastructure we use to safely deliver service in the area every day,” said David White, Transmission and Distribution Manager. “At times, we will use traffic controls so that employees can more safely perform their work. We appreciate the patience of motorists and our customers, and we’ll work as quickly and safely as possible to minimize any inconvenience.”
Crews also continue work on a $1.6 million project to relocate more than 40 power poles on Broadway between Euclid Avenue and Country Club Road. This project along a two-mile stretch of roadway will accommodate the widening of Broadway to six lanes.
TEP also is working on an $8.4 million upgrade of the Country Club Substation near Speedway and Country Club. Field crews will replace all equipment, including transformers and poles. Crews expect to complete these substation improvements by summer 2020, when customer demand for electric service is highest.
To continue providing service to nearby homes and businesses during this work, TEP installed temporary mobile substation equipment on a lot located north of the Country Club Substation. TEP will remove temporary facilities after completing upgrades at the Country Club Substation.
Crews recently completed a $2 million upgrade of the Sparkman Substation, located near East Grant and North Country Club roads. Crews installed a new transformer, relays, breakers and switchgear.
TEP’s system includes approximately 5,100 miles of transmission and distribution lines, more than 4,300 cable-miles of underground distribution lines and nearly 100,000 power poles and transmission structures. TEP has invested approximately $1.2 billion since June 2015 to maintain and improve its service while transitioning to a cleaner, more flexible and resilient energy portfolio.
