LCRA TSC works to storm harden transmission lines in northern Travis County

Project will increase reliability, safety of lines going from near Mansfield Dam to north Austin

Aug. 3, 2023

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas – LCRA Transmission Services Corporation has started construction on a key project to increase the reliability and resiliency of transmission lines traveling through parts of northern Travis County.
 
The $43 million LCRA TSC project will storm harden more than 14 miles of high-voltage transmission lines to make them better able to withstand extreme conditions such as wind, ice and other weather-related issues. Upgraded lines can help reduce outages and minimize restoration times and costs. 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.
 
Large construction equipment, bucket trucks and cranes will be used in the project, and traffic may occasionally be stopped for brief periods on roads under the lines as the work progresses. Construction began in late July 2023 and is expected to continue to May 2024.
 
The transmission lines in the project run from near Mansfield Dam off Ranch Road 620 east to the Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park area in north Austin. The lines cross U.S. Highway 183 and MoPac near The Domain shopping center. Work also will occur on a section of lines west of Spicewood Springs Road, traveling adjacent to the road northward about 1.3 miles to Old Lampasas Trail. A map of the route and more information is available at www.lcra.org/marshallford-mcneil.

About LCRA and LCRA TSC
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations. For more information, visit lcra.org.
 
In 2002, LCRA created LCRA Transmission Services Corporation as a nonprofit corporation for transmission operations. LCRA TSC has invested more than $4.3 billion in transmission projects to meet the growing demand for electricity, improve reliability, connect new generating capacity, address congestion problems that affect the competitive market and help move renewable energy to the market. LCRA TSC plans to invest more than $3 billion over the next five years to build new transmission facilities and improve existing ones. For more information, visit the LCRA TSC webpage on lcra.org.

Media Contact:

Clara Tuma
512–578–3292
[email protected]