Successful Implementation of a SkyWrap Solution

Located in Massachusetts

Capability
- Electric Infrastructure
Completion 2021-2022

Project Overview

In 2021-2022, in Massachusetts, we were contracted to perform environmental matting and heavy civil services in support of a SkyWrap project to upgrade fiber optic cables. The SkyWrap solution is a retro-fit method for installing fiber optic cables on overhead power lines, and it is designed to be small and lightweight, minimizing the additional load on the overhead line conductors, poles, and towers. This installation technique allows for quick and cost-effective deployment, increasing network fiber capacity with minimal disruption to electricity supply services.

Key Highlights

Our Environmental Construction and Matting Goup was responsible for installing matted access roads, work pads, and environmental controls to enable the energy client’s crews to install the SkyWrap to the existing 115kV lines and complete six structure replacements in the towns of Millbury, Sutton, Grafton, Upton and Milford, MA. We also constructed and refreshed stone access roads and restored the site at the project’s completion.

Explore Project Details

Project Scope of Work Included:

Installation of Matted Access Roads, Work Pads, and Environmental Controls
Six Structure Replacements
Constructed and Refreshed Stone Access Roads
Site Restoration

Challenges and Results

The project presented several challenges, including the terrain which featured various elevation changes that required additional foresight when planning work pad builds. Also, portions of the right-of-way ran adjacent to the Milford Rail Trail, a pedestrian and cycling path, which presented safety challenges. To minimize potential adverse impacts on wetlands, construction matting was used along access routes when crossing wetlands. In addition, the client’s shifting priorities, a common occurrence in projects of this size, frequently resulted in abrupt changes to the schedule and resources.

Our agility enabled us to accommodate these requests and maintain progress toward completing the project on time and on budget. We successfully delivered results by providing adequate road building and safe passages across various environmentally sensitive areas via matted access/work pads. Thanks to our well-planned approach, both internally and with external partners, we completed the project within schedule and budget.