LCRA Open Houses on Transmission Line Oct. 13 and 14

The Lower Colorado River Authority will be holding two open house meetings this week for public input on route options for a proposed electric transmission line. The open house meetings will be 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13 at the Austin Sports Center of Cedar Park, 1420 Toro Grande in Cedar Park and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14 at the cafeteria at Wiley Middle School, 1526 Raider Way in Leander. Both events are a come-and-go format with no formal presentation.

The proposed 138 kilovolt transmission line will connect to two new substations in Leander and Cedar Park. The new substations and transmission lines will provide for increased electric demand in the area between Interstate 35 and the 183A Toll Road.

Route alternatives considered for the new transmission line include Leander Road, FM 1431, Sam Bass Road, or Brushy Creek Road. In each case, the segment considered is between I-35 and the 183A Toll Road.

Transmission towers for the new line will be 80 to 140 feet in height. The tower structure design has not yet been determined, but tower design options include single concrete poles, steel or concrete H-frames, or steel lattice structures.

The Leander Road route alternative is the longest and would include a new transmission line along the west side of I-35 from Leander Road to FM 1431.

The City of Georgetown has submitted a letter to LCRA regarding the proposed route options for the new transmission line. The City favors routes south of Georgetown since they are more direct and efficient pathways to the new electric system demand served by the new substations.