Everyone driving through Mapleton is sure to see the Emera Maine crew working on the replacement of the poles and power transmission lines. The work is needed to increase higher energy transmission to the Mapleton substation from Presque Isle by increasing the size of the transmission lines.
The Mapleton substation receives power from Ashland and Presque Isle, but due to a size variation in the lines from Presque Isle, the amount of power available is lower than desired. Increasing the amount of power to the substation with newer and larger lines will improve the amount and stability of power available to the Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill area.
A new electrical pole is installed next to the old pole in Mapleton, and shows the substantial height difference between the two. The extensions added to the crossbar kept the active transmission lines out from the poles so the new poles can be safely installed. New crossbars will be made of rot-resistant fiberglass. (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Electrical utility workers lift one of the new poles into place on Main Street in Mapleton as part of an Emera Maine project to improve quality of the transmission lines from Presque Isle to the Mapleton substation on the Hughes Road. The orange material on the new pole is a temporary dielectric insulation to prevent accidental conduction of electricity during the pole’s installation. (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Currently, while this work is underway, the substation is only receiving power from Ashland. The high power lines from Presque Isle, which are the top lines, are not powered while the taller poles are being installed. The lower lines are powered to maintain power for Emera’s customers. Over the past few weeks, the crew added extensions to the crossbars on the existing poles to move power lines outward to give the crews room to install new taller replacement poles while maintaining power to homes and businesses.
New poles will be installed from where the transmission lines cross Main Street on the Presque Isle Road to the Hughes Road. Extra tall poles (80 feet) will be needed to cross the railroad trestle downtown. Also, the top of the poles will not have crossbars but will be straight up with the higher power lines on top. New crossbars that will be needed will be made of fiberglass, which will not be subject to rot as traditional wooden crossbars are.
The schedule for completion of the project is several weeks away. The crew will need to complete the pole installation and then will mount needed crossbars. Once poles and crossbars are in place, the lower power lines can be properly moved into position and the older smaller lines replaced with the new larger high-power lines.
Drivers should employ courtesy and caution when passing the worksite. The traffic is controlled with flaggers and everyone is encouraged to drive slow and watchful for any unexpected need to brake and stop as the crew continues to work.
Renew dog tags
As of today, if you have a dog and you have not purchased your pet’s new dog tag, then you have exactly one week before the 2018 deadline for purchasing dog tags at the town office.
Remember, dogs need to be registered by Jan. 31, 2018. Owners of all dogs registered after Jan. 31 will be assessed a $25 late fee.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
