TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE SELECTION AND ACQUISITION

Transmission line route selection and acquisition is one of the most important steps in planning of transmission line projects. In selecting the final route, the following should be considered after taken into consideration all of the alternatives.

1. Impact of length, terrain, angles, obstacles, and special crossings on the cost and strength of the line.
2. Ease and cost of maintenance, including maintenance of tree trimming.
3. Vegetation management. Can trees be cut, trimmed, or avoided.
4. Impact of existing overhead and underground utilities paralleling or crossing the route. This refers to electric, telecommunications, gas, oi;, water, sewer system, drainage, and irrigation.
5. Availability, restrictions, or limitations on the use of public rights of way.
6. Impact of line on land use, environment, and on historical, archaeological, or biologically sensitive sites or areas.

Transmission line selected route must be mapped and identified in detail to have a smooth proceedings during coordination with other involved parties, may it be utilities, government agencies, owners, etc. This very important during acquisition of rights of way and application of necessary permits.


There will be times wherein our probable routes will lie on areas or points which set limit or prohibit the setting of supporting structures. Cases as such, there are factors in determining locations and alignment of structures and are commonly called control points. These points include:

1. Locations where it is necessary for the line to change direction.
2. Man-made structures, facilities, and land use.
3. Topographic and geographic land features.

The limitations imposed by the control points may be the following:

1. Define the general alignment of the route
2. Require special supporting structures
3. Prohibit use of the route.

These control points must be identified since they are critical to the selection of final route.

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