Higgins–East Clearwater 115kV Tower Replacement

Pickett and Associates, an ESP company, provided engineering and surveying services to support the replacement of three aging tangent lattice tower structures (HD-3, HD-4, and HD-5) with Valmont Pyramax structures on the Higgins-East Clearwater 115kV transmission line that crosses over Old Tampa Bay near Safety Harbor, FL. Various conductor types were investigated for use on this crossing to meet ampacity requirements, vertical clearance requirements, and the goal of reducing overall structure heights as compared to the existing lattice towers. The conductors selected were 1272 ACSS/TW (pheasant) and 1622 ACCR/TW (Pecos) for the 230kV line. The structures were also designed for two OPGW cables.

To evaluate the client’s goal of reusing the existing marine foundations for the new structures, an inspection was performed to document the condition of the existing marine foundations above and below water. Analysis of the existing foundations indicated that reuse was feasible with moderate structural upgrades consisting of steel bracing. Condition upgrades were included in our design package to ensure a suitable service life for the foundations.

Location

Safety Harbor, FL

Status

Completed

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