CapX2020 power line construction continues in Trempealeau County

Crews demonstrate implosive connectors

GALESVILLE, Wis. (WKBT) — Construction work on the CapX2020 Hampton-Rochester-La Crosse transmission line project continues Friday in Trempealeau County.

Xcel Energy said crews will be working from helicopters and using implosive connectors to splice conductor joints and to connect conductor to the structures. The connectors create a large flash and loud boom.

Crews demonstrated a couple of the blasts at a construction laydown yard in Galesville late Friday morning.

Construction on the CapX2020 Hampton-Rochester-La Crosse 345 kV transmission line project started in Minnesota in February of 2013. Xcel Energy said the technology provides stronger, more reliable and efficient connections, reducing maintenance needs and increasing system reliability.

Xcel Energy said project crews will inform local landowners whenever possible in the days before the implosive blasts in each area. The connections are not used on every structure.

Crews will be working in Trempealeau County through early summer. Work on the Wisconsin segment between Alma and the new Briggs Road Substation near Holmen is scheduled to be complete in fall of 2015. The entire project is scheduled to be completed in 2016.

For more information on CapX2020, visit www.CapX2020.com. Here’s the postcard that went to landowners.