Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Approves Alteration of Public Crossing for Electric Transmission and Fiber Optic Cable Installation

Strategic Insights -

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has approved an application from Metropolitan Edison Company and Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission, LLC to alter a public crossing for the installation of electric transmission lines and an aerial fiber optic cable. The proposed alteration involves rebuilding existing electric transmission facilities and installing a new aerial fiber optic cable where SR 0061 crosses, at grade, the track of Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad Company in Perry Township, Berks County. The commission has established its jurisdictional limits at the subject crossing as the area within the confines of the railroad right-of-way and the highway right-of-way.

Key Takeaways:

  • The approved alteration involves rebuilding existing electric transmission facilities and installing a new aerial fiber optic cable at a cost of approximately $25,677,000.
  • The project requires the installation of a minimum vertical clearance of 42 feet and 2 inches above the public crossing.
  • Metropolitan Edison Company and Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission, LLC have agreed to perform the necessary installation, provide for maintenance, and accept future maintenance responsibility for the new communication line and electric facilities at their sole cost and expense.
  • The companies have served a copy of the application and installation plans to the Commission, Perry Township, and all parties of record.
  • The Commission has exclusive jurisdiction in crossing alterations and has approved the application without a hearing.
  • The alteration of the crossing must be completed on or before December 31, 2021, and Metropolitan Edison Company and Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission, LLC must report the date of actual completion to the Commission.

Statistics:

  • Estimated cost of the total project: $25,677,000
  • Minimum vertical clearance: 42 feet and 2 inches
  • Number of parties of record: N/A
  • Timeline for completion: December 31, 2021

Sources:

  • ViaEservice and Email Only TO PARTIES OF RECORD
  • Application of Metropolitan Edison Company and Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission, LLC
  • Section 2702 of the Public Utility Code