Job Description: Replace 10 miles of existing powerline
Duration: 12 months
ITC Holdings is the largest independent electricity company in the nation operating across the Midwest. Michels is a national utility and infrastructure contractor with offices from coast to coast.
Situation
A line replacement project required work over a lengthy stretch of challenging terrain in Iowa. Sterling was asked to create safe site access for ITC while also handling a road-clearing contract for Michels — a task usually left to the county.
Challenge
Workers needed safe access over ten miles of varied and difficult terrain. The environment included everything from rolling hills, agricultural land, pastures, and deep ravine crossings to areas thick with trees and brush.
Results
The Sterling site access team installed 14 miles of mats, safety protocols, BMPs, and culverted entrances to the county roads. They also implemented SWPPP erosion control devices and cleared trees and brush to create access where none existed. On days of heavy snowfall, Sterling’s work began at 4 a.m. with the opening up of county roads (blading off ice and snow), placing gravel, and cleaning off mats — all before the Michels team arrived at 7 a.m.
Clear communication, expertise, and flexibility – from extra matting and helicopter pads to extensive earthwork — ensured safe and efficient site access throughout a multi-faceted powerline project.
