Belchertown Reliability Project
About the Project
The Belchertown Reliability Project will improve National Grid’s B69 electric transmission line in the Town of Belchertown. The line was built in 1997 and now needs updates to maintain reliable service. The B96 line is about 2 miles long. It runs between the Quabbin Tower Substation near Jensen Street and the Quabbin Switching Station off Blue Meadow Road. During construction, most work will take place within National Grid’s right-of-way or along public roads. Crews will reach work areas using public roads, existing easements, and other approved access routes.
Project Benefits
Updates aging equipment to meet today's standards.
Reduces the chance of power outages by strengthening the transmission system.
Improves long-term electric service to support the region's needs.
Supports safe operation of the electric system now and in the future.
- 2025 - Project Engagement Begins
- 2025 - Field Assessments Begins
- Fall 2029 - Construction Begins
- Ongoing - Project Engagement Complete
- Ongoing - Field Assessments Complete
- Fall 2030 - Construction Complete
Phases of Construction
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In fall 2025, crews cleared trees and brush along the transmission line. This work prepared the area for soil testing. Soil tests help engineers understand the ground conditions and plan the project safely.
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As construction gets closer, crews may remove more trees and vegetation. This allows workers to safely build access roads and remove trees that could fall onto power lines.
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Steps will be taken to protect the environment during construction. These may include temporarily placing mats, silt fences, and concrete washout containers.
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Construction is planned to begin in Fall 2029. Crews will pour new foundations, install new structures, add fiber-optic cables, and string new wires. Old structures will be removed, and new wires will be energized. Heavy equipment, including cranes, will be used.
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Once construction is finished, crews will restore the work areas to their original condition as much as possible, unless permits or land agreements specify otherwise.
Contact Us
About the Project
The Belchertown Reliability Project will improve National Grid’s B69 electric transmission line in the Town of Belchertown. The line was built in 1997 and now needs updates to maintain reliable service. The B96 line is about 2 miles long. It runs between the Quabbin Tower Substation near Jensen Street and the Quabbin Switching Station off Blue Meadow Road. During construction, most work will take place within National Grid’s right-of-way or along public roads. Crews will reach work areas using public roads, existing easements, and other approved access routes.
Project Benefits
Updates aging equipment to meet today's standards.
Reduces the chance of power outages by strengthening the transmission system.
Improves long-term electric service to support the region's needs.
Supports safe operation of the electric system now and in the future.
Project Resources
News and Updates
Timeline
Phases of Construction
-
In fall 2025, crews cleared trees and brush along the transmission line. This work prepared the area for soil testing. Soil tests help engineers understand the ground conditions and plan the project safely.
-
As construction gets closer, crews may remove more trees and vegetation. This allows workers to safely build access roads and remove trees that could fall onto power lines.
-
Steps will be taken to protect the environment during construction. These may include temporarily placing mats, silt fences, and concrete washout containers.
-
Construction is planned to begin in Fall 2029. Crews will pour new foundations, install new structures, add fiber-optic cables, and string new wires. Old structures will be removed, and new wires will be energized. Heavy equipment, including cranes, will be used.
-
Once construction is finished, crews will restore the work areas to their original condition as much as possible, unless permits or land agreements specify otherwise.