The Minco-Pleasant Valley-Draper transmission line was commissioned by NextEra Energy Resources to connect two sections of newly constructed 345kV single circuit, 2 conductor, optical ground wire (OPGW) transmission line in central Oklahoma.  The project interconnects to the grid at an existing substation via a new 345 kV transmission line.

The purpose of the project was to provide renewable energy from an existing wind farm in Minco owned by NextEra and transmit that energy into the national grid and turn the line over to Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E).

Crux’s scope included drilling and installing approximately 64 helical anchors and 173 grouted anchors over 38 structure locations to support concrete and tubular steel poles.  All helices were 2” shaft size with the number of helices ranging from 3-6 14” helical discs and were installed to between 19 and 75 feet in depth.  Solid grouted anchors were successfully installed form 20ft. embedment to 62 ft. embedment in various ground conditions including heaving flowing sands, groundwater, and moisture saturated clays.

Crux’s CAT 320 Excavator was utilized for helical installation, and EGT and Hutte Track drill rigs were mobilized for grouted anchor installation.  Crux successfully overcame challenging drilling conditions and site access restrictions.  Additional challenges for this project included completing work in the extremely hot and humid Oklahoma summer as well as, remobilizing in the winter to install additional grouted anchors and testing in time before turning the line over to OG&E.

Crux worked alongside Quanta sister companies, Brink Constructors, who acted as the General Contractor and performed was responsible for hauling and spotting of poles and assembling and NorthStar, who was responsible for the wire pulls.  Crews consistently performed helical installations at a faster-than-specified rate, and the project was completed successfully with no safety incidents.