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Tunis to Boykins
115 kV Electric Transmission Line Rebuild Project
Overview
This 26.5-mile overhead electric transmission line was constructed in 1967 on primarily wooden monopole (single-pole) structures. The line needs to be rebuilt to meet current safety and reliability standards based on end-of-life concerns.
The replacement structures are brown, weathering steel monopole structures that are similar in height and appearance to the existing structures. The new structures will be located near the existing structures using the current transmission line easement. Most of the line will not require new right of way except a section of the line between the Tunis and Murphy substations. This section will require an additional 10 feet on either side to maintain current safety standards.
Benefits
- Most of the line maintains current right of way.
- New structures located in the same general location as existing structures.
- Complies with mandatory standards to ensure safety, reliability and to meet future needs.
- Minimizes impact to the community and environment.
- Replaces aging infrastructure.
Timeline
- Summer 2022: Field surveying and soil boring work
- 2025-2026: Construction begins in Tunis, North Carolina and works northwest to the Town of Murfreesboro
- Late 2026: Construction expected to finish in Boykins, Virginia
This schedule is subject to change, pending any technical or inclement weather delays.
Documents
Danger Trees
Identifying danger trees in the electric transmission right of way is an important step in the preconstruction process. Danger trees are trees located outside the right of way that have the potential to fall within 10 feet of the transmission line. Removing this vegetation is necessary to maintain safe and dependable electric service in your community.
In late June 2024, a certified pilot will conduct danger tree surveys along the 27-mile electric transmission line between Tunis and Boykins substations using an FAA-registered drone. Using drones to identify danger trees is safe, efficient, accurate, and leaves a small carbon footprint.
Construction Related Impacts
Key Information
- Flights are conducted between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Flights are expected between June 19 and July 3, 2024. Flights are weather-dependent and subject to change.
- Noise levels are minimal during flight, though they are moderate during takeoff and landing.
- Drones fly at an approximate height of 200 to 300 feet.
- Drones are FAA-registered and are operated by certified drone pilots.
- Fixed-wing drones are used for surveys. Please see the reference photo for an example.
Service Interruption
Your electric service is not expected to be impacted by this project.
Neighborhood
Access to surrounding neighborhoods will not be impacted.
Traffic
This project is not expected to impact traffic.
Noise
Noise levels will be moderate; permits are in place.
Environment
This project will not have environmental impacts.
FAQs
Call us at 888-291-0190 or send an email to powerline@dominionenergy.com and ask to be added to our mailing distribution list.
Our forestry team will survey trees in the area to identify danger trees that need removal. Danger trees are trees outside the right of way, and possibly on your property, that have the potential to fall within 10 feet of the transmission wires or structures. Trees and tree limbs that come in contact with electric lines are a leading cause of power outages, especially during storms. The removal of danger trees is necessary to help prevent large scale outages in your community.
If we need to access your property, our forestry team or authorized contractors will contact you. We are committed to working safely and courteously on your property. If you have questions or concerns about the right of way corridor, please email etrow@dominionenergy.com or call 800-215-8032.
Dominion Energy completes an evaluation of potential environmental, cultural and historical impacts of the project. We will work with local, state and federal agencies to complete these evaluations and mitigate any impacts. Permitting agencies on transmission line projects typically include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Commenting agencies include the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, among others. Our enterprise-wide environmental report describes our commitment to the responsible stewardship of natural resources and provides a wealth of information on environmental management and performance. We also invite you to read our Corporate Environmental Policy and our Greenhouse Gas Report.
Commenting agencies include the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, among others. Our enterprise-wide environmental report describes our commitment to the responsible stewardship of natural resources and provides a wealth of information on environmental management and performance. We also invite you to read our Corporate Environmental Policy and our Greenhouse Gas Report.
Yes. Existing easement agreements will allow us access to private roads crossed by the right of way. The company, at its expense, will repair any private roads damaged by Dominion Energy or its contractors during construction of the line or during future maintenance. In addition, we will reimburse property owners for crop damage, and repair or replace fences or gates if we damage them.
We do not anticipate impacting your electricity, but if there are any planned temporary disruptions to your power supply, we will make every effort to notify you in advance of that work.
Dominion Energy Virginia has more than 6,700 miles of transmission lines. This project replaces existing overhead structures with new, similar overhead structures within the existing right of way. In doing so, the line will be rebuilt to current safety and industry standards.
Meetings
Virtual Community Meeting - December 10, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
Learn what to expect learn what to expect during construction and get answers to your questions from our subject matter experts.
Timeline
This schedule is subject to change, pending any technical or inclement weather delays.
Upcoming
Late 2026
Construction expected to finish in Boykins, Virginia
2025
2025-2026
Construction begins in Tunis, North Carolina and works northwest to the Town of Murfreesboro
2022
Summer 2022
Field surveying and soil boring work
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