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North Coast Transmission Line construction activities

BC Hydro truck parked near a large power transmission tower in a rural landscape.

What's new

Copper River Forest Service Road bridge replacement

Bridge replacement work is underway at the 6.5-kilometre (km) mark on Copper River Forest Service Road, approximately 9 km east of Terrace. Construction is expected to continue through mid-October 2026 and may result in traffic delays, single-lane alternating traffic, and road closures.

September 29 update

A full road closure and associated delays are expected on October 5 to accommodate crane operations and to allow crews to remove the existing bridge. Refer to the traffic advisory [PDF, 278 KB] to learn more.

Construction updates

Construction on Phase 1 of the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) project is underway. Learn more about the construction activities [PDF, 296 KB] taking place between October and December 2026.

Activities planned through October include:

  • Clearing, access, and right-of-way preparation activities in select areas of the Phase 1 transmission line corridor, including timber clearing, aggregate development, road upgrades, new access road construction, and timber and fibre management activities.
  • Continued geotechnical investigations, engineering, environmental, forestry layout, and surveying activities in the project corridor.
  • Site preparation activities at Williston Substation and tree clearing and grubbing activities at the Saranovich Capacitor Station.
  • Dismantling of worker accommodation units at the John Horgan Dam and Generating Station (formerly Site C) site, and transportation of dormitory units to the NCTL worker accommodation site near Vanderhoof.
  • Site preparation and worker accommodation development activities at the Vanderhoof worker accommodation site and laydown yard.
  • Construction and office development activities at the NCTL project office in Prince George. Water service work may result in temporary pedestrian detours and single-lane traffic control.

Those living, working, and travelling near project areas may notice increased traffic from construction vehicles and equipment, along with increased noise and dust. Construction activities may also result in temporary traffic disruptions and changes to access.

We're implementing measures to reduce potential construction-related effects and will continue providing updates on project activities, traffic, and access changes.

Construction activities

We've divided the transmission line corridor into segments (shown in the figure below). Construction bulletins will tell you which segment we're working in—or planning to work in—and outline the specific activities and potential impacts in that area.

Constructing a transmission line involves several key steps. Here's an overview of the work you can expect.

Construction preparation

This early stage includes work to get the site ready:

  • Clearing areas for station expansion, the transmission line right-of-way, and access roads
  • Upgrading and building roads
  • Re-aligning existing transmission lines as needed

Transmission line construction

Once the area is prepared, we move into building the line:

  • Installing tower foundations
  • Erecting the towers
  • Stringing the transmission wire

Substation and capacitor bank expansion

Depending on site, activities may include:

  • Clearing land for expansion
  • Installing fencing
  • Developing foundations, pads, and other supporting infrastructure
  • Delivering and installing equipment

Ancillary facilities

To support construction activities, we also develop:

  • Workforce accommodation
  • Laydown and storage areas
  • Heli-pads (required for Phase 2 only)

Reclamation

After construction in an area is complete, we'll restore disturbed sites as part of our reclamation work.

In 2026, Phase 1 construction activities will focus on the following areas:

  • Clearing and developing access routes in Segments D, E, and F
  • Re-aligning the transmission line between Williston Substation and Beaverly Substation in Segment A1
  • Building workforce accommodation in Vanderhoof, near Segment E
  • Establishing a laydown and storage area in Prince George
     

North Coast Transmission Line Phase 1: Construction Segments

North Coast Transmission Line Phase 1: Construction Segments

View the project map [JPG, 177 KB] at a larger size.
 

In 2026, Phase 2 construction activities will focus on early works such as road maintenance and brushing to maintain key roads. This work will happen across all line segments.

North Coast Transmission Line Phase 2: Construction Segments 5LO65

North Coast Transmission Line Phase 2: Construction Segments 5LO65

View the project map [JPG, 279 KB] at a larger size.
 

North Coast Transmission Line Phase 2: Construction Segments 5LO66

North Coast Transmission Line Phase 2: Construction Segments 5LO66

View the project map [JPG, 227 KB] at a larger size.
 

Reports and documents

Get in touch

Reach out to us to learn more about North Coast transmission projects. If you have questions, feedback, concerns, or complaints, please contact us at:

Email: NCTLproject@bchydro.com
Toll free: 1 866 647 3334
Confidential reporting line: Submit a report
 

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