Appalachian Power begins final phase of Charleston improvement project

Appalachian Power is in the final phase of a $110 million improvement project in Charleston, W.Va.

This last phase calls for upgrading the company’s transmission line beginning near Wertz Avenue and continuing southeast toward Oakridge Road. Construction will begin Sept. 23 and will continue south, crossing Interstate 64/77 and the Kanawha River. A helicopter will be used to assist with wire installation across the interstate and river. The work involving the helicopter will occur on Sunday mornings for four consecutive weekends. Appalachian Power will work with the West Virginia Division of Highways to maintain public safety during construction; however, traffic delays should be expected.

Starting Sept. 23, there will be occasional traffic delays on Interstate 64/77 in the 35th Street Bridge area during helicopter use and temporary lane closures on Kanawha Boulevard/Route 60. Travelers should also expect limited access on the Kanawha River and nearby railways. The power line upgrade should be completed by the end of November. After the upgrade, the company will remove a separate, temporary power line located between Brooks Street and Washington Street substations. The removal of this line should be completed by the end of the year.

When complete, this project should increase reliability to customers while providing a network capable of handling future growth in the area.

Appalachian Power, a unit of American Electric Power, serves more than 1 million customers in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee.