Prep Work Begins in Edgeworth on Power Line Project

Tree removal work began this week in Edgeworth to prepare for a power line that will connect Duquesne Light’s substation in Sewickley to an area behind Quaker Village Shopping Center in Leetsdale.

Contractors began removing trees Monday on borough-owned property along Route 65 near the railroad tracks, where the distribution line is expected to be installed.

Manager Marty McDaniel said the project had been delayed for two years while the Public Utility Commission reviewed revised plans.

Duquesne Light Co. proposed in spring 2010 a plan that drew opposition from borough residents because it required cutting down an estimated 500 trees to make way for the power distribution line.

McDaniel said municipalities can’t regulate power companies, but borough officials wanted to find a better plan in order to protect residential properties.

Edgeworth officials and the power company eventually came to an agreement in September on a proposed route that involved the removal of only a few dozen trees.

“They will have to cut trees, but it won’t be as severe,” McDaniel said.

While much of the project takes place on the commercial side of Route 65, McDaniel said a portion of the plans involve running the line along a residential portion of 65 from the Sewickley border near down to Chestnut Road. From Chestnut, the line crosses the boulevard to the commercial side and runs the length of 65 to the Leetsdale border, where it again crosses to the shopping center.

McDaniel said residential lines will have power poles with wires wrapped in a shielded cable, which allows tree limbs to hang closer to the poles.

Moving part of the line to the residential side was necessary because the right of way on the commercial side of the road didn't lend enough space, McDaniel said. An alternative, underground route would have cost significantly more money, he added.

Tree removal is scheduled to be complete next month while the power line work could begin this summer.

Duquesne Light plans to cover the cost of replacing residential trees. McDaniel said an arborist is meeting with residents to go over what has to be removed.

Duquesne Light is contributing $36,000 for landscaping costs to replant trees and shrubs on the borough-owned land.