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North Coast Transmission Line construction activities

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

Construction updates

Construction on the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) project is underway.

Activities planed through August include:

  • Site preparation, vegetation management, and access road upgrades and construction in selected areas of the project corridor.

  • Mowing and site preparation activities at Williston Substation.

  • Tree clearing and grubbing activities at Saranovich Capacitor Station.

  • Site preparation, including soil removal and storage, and installation of geotextile and gravel, utility infrastructure installation, and security upgrades at the Prince George laydown yard.

  • Site preparation for the Vanderhoof worker accommodation site, including soil removal, installation of geotextile and gravel, utility infrastructure installation, and security upgrades.

Those living, working, and travelling near project areas may notice increased traffic from construction vehicles and equipment, as well as increased noise and dust. 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

If you'd like to learn more about the project or provide feedback, please contact us at:

Email: NCTLproject@bchydro.com
Toll free: 1 866 647 3334
 

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