Marshall Ford to McNeil Transmission Line Storm Hardening Project

LCRA Transmission Services Corporation is performing storm hardening on the 14.2-mile Marshall Ford-McNeil 138-kV transmission line and portions of the Marshall Ford-Spicewood and Spicewood-McNeil transmission lines.

The project will increase the reliability and safety of the structures and conductor by ensuring the transmission lines meet or exceed current National Electrical Safety Code and LCRA TSC design standards.

The lines being worked on go from near Mansfield Dam off Ranch Road 620 eastward crossing Highway 183 and Mopac in north Austin to the Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park area. Work will also occur on a section of the lines just west of Spicewood Springs Road, traveling adjacent to the road northward about 1.3 miles to Old Lampasas Trail.

Latest Update – September 2023

Overnight work on the project is scheduled Tuesday, Sept. 26-Thursday, Oct. 5. This work will occur on a portion of the transmission line that starts east of Mansfield dam and ends west of FM 2222. This segment of transmission line runs alongside RR 620 at various points, and it crosses RR 620 at Steiner Ranch Boulevard.

Crews will use nighttime lighting and large equipment and vehicles. There will be activity near some residential areas, and residents may notice additional traffic and noise. The overnight work will occur from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Traffic controls will be in place as needed. Weather conditions or other factors can cause delays in the work schedule in some cases.

Previous Project Updates

September 2023

A helicopter is scheduled to be used for work on this project on Thursday, Sept. 21. The helicopter work will occur near Mansfield Dam, off Ranch Road 620 North. Weather conditions or other factors can delay work.

July 2023
Construction begins in July 2023. LCRA staff and contractors will be present along the rights of way, and crews using large vehicles and equipment will be present during construction.

Program Timeline

Summer/Fall 2023
Construction activity on western portion of project from around Marshall Ford Substation, near Mansfield Dam, eastward to near Spicewood Springs Road. Work will include site preparation and foundation installation.
Late 2023/first half of 2024
Construction activity, including site preparation and foundation installation, on eastern portion of project, from around Spicewood Springs Road eastward to the McNeil substation, which is west of North Lamar Boulevard in Austin. Erecting structures and stringing transmission line expected to begin in September 2023.
Mid-2024
Transmission line construction completion expected in May.

Contact

Please submit any questions using the Contact LCRA form.