UI Railroad Transmission Lines Upgrade Project

The UI Railroad Transmission Line Upgrade Project rebuilds UI’s transmission lines along the 25 miles of the Metro North Railroad(MNR) corridor between Fairfield and West Haven. This includes installation of approximately 500 new foundation supported galvanized transmission poles, upgrading of conductor size and installing sectionalizing switches at nearby substations. This project will enhance the structural integrity and reliability of the high voltage transmission lines along the MNR corridor allowing UI to continue to provide safe, reliable electric service to our customers for years to come.

Project Purpose and Need
Benefits to region and our customers

The upgrades will improve the reliability and resiliency of the transmission system, ensuring that the safe and reliable transmission of power is maintained throughout Fairfield and New Haven County in accordance with Federal reliability standards.

UI is committed to working cooperatively with our customers, neighbors, community leaders and regulators as we improve reliability while minimizing disruption to the environment and community. We have a dedicated team of public outreach liaisons who will be involved throughout the duration of the project to answer any questions you may have.

Below are the stages of the project construction process that you may see in your community.

1) Laying matting and building access roads for construction vehicles while protecting the area

2) Tree clearing – trimming "danger trees" that may cause service interruption

3) Drilling foundations which will support the new galvanized steel poles

4) Setting the bolt cage for the foundation structure

5) Pouring concrete for the foundations

6) Final concrete cap for the steel monopoles

7) Setting the poles into the foundation

8) Stringing the wire (conductor) onto the poles

9) Restoration - grading, seeding & mulch. Access roads removed.

Updated May 2020

The electric grid consists of high-voltage transmission lines and low-voltage distribution lines that transport electricity from power generation plants to community areas that need electricity.

Project Updates - The application for Certificate of Public Need and Environmental Compatibility has been submitted to the Connecticut Siting Council(CSC). For more information see the CSC website at Docket No 516 (ct.gov). The Siting Council made a final decision on Feb. 15 changing the route to the northern side of the CTDOT tracks between Fairfield and Ash Creek. Redesign will begin immediately and will be communicated as soon as it is available. UI will make every effort to expedite the process but anticipates a new design will be available by Q2 2025..

Cornerstone Energy Services, Inc. ("Cornerstone”) is a trusted land acquisition contractor currently working on our behalf. Cornerstone’s Land Agent Team will be working alongside UI’s Land Management Department and Project Team throughout the Land Rights Acquisition phase of the due diligence process as a result of the CT Siting Council’s approval of the Hannon-Morissette alternative on the Fairfield to Congress Transmission Project.  

Now and in the upcoming months, Cornerstone will make contact efforts to property owners in Fairfield and Southport parcels to request Right of Entry permission in order for UI and their contractors to complete due diligence tasks such as field studies, soil tests, environmental analysis, review of current infrastructure, etc.  Land Agents will be reaching out via phone, email or in-person to discuss the details related to their due diligence and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the project. 

Further info about our Land Agents contractor, can be found here:  Cornerstone Energy Services (cornerstoneenergyinc.com)

Construction Update – Detailed engineering stage, Construction expected to begin in 2025-2026