IBEW Local 1245 members working for Diversified Utility Services installed new 115 kv transmission lines last autumn, creating a new circuit to improve load capacity and reliability to an area historically fed only by PG&E. The new circuit, from Trinity Dam to Weaverville, CA, runs from United States Bureau of Reclamation through WAPA, connecting to Trinity County PUD. These spectacular photos of work around Lewiston, CA–courtesy of Local 1245 member Charles Appleton–show union line crews doing what they do best: delivering power no matter what the terrain.
214 lifting 105-foot pole from fly yard.
214 flying last pole to “H” structure. Pole weight is 5,600 pounds. Lift capacity is 6,000 pounds.
Back-to-back three pole dead-ends on mountain side.
IBEW member Tim Riddle on dead-end pole.
IBEW member Jim Deptuch on dead-end pole.
IBEW members Tim Riddle and Jim Deptuch high in the sky.
Three-way 69 kv switches on 150-foot steel pole.
IBEW members Greg Young, Jim Deptuch and Charlie Appleton land 3-way 69 kv switch.
IBEW members Greg Young, Jim Deptuch and Charlie Appleton prepare to adjust 3-way 69 kv switches.
Really rough terrain, mostly ATVs for the clipping crew.
Lewiston Lake and fish hatchery.