B.C. Hydro to remove dangerous power lines in Revelstoke

B.C. Hydro is removing one power line and under-grounding another to reduce the danger of Downie Timber machinery colliding with them.

The project, costing $1.5 million, will remove the overhead distribution lines that cross the operating Downie Timber sawmill yard from the Illecillewaet substation and underground a section of power line running along Vernon Avenue.

Blue outline indicates the powerline B.C. Hydro will remove and the yellow outline is the powerline they will underground. Photo: B.C. Hydro

There have been a number of incidents in recent years where sawmill machinery has contacted with these lines. Although there have been no injuries, these incidents could be fatal. They also cause power outages such as the one in November 2012, when a collision caused a two-hour outage in the community.

There will be some disruption to residents as part of this work. B.C. Hydro will also carry out circuit reconfiguration work, which involves numerous pole replacements and equipment upgrades at a number of locations. Crews will upgrade the power line that runs along Fifth Street East between Vernon Avenue and Mackenzie, replacing 19 poles and installing new wire.