Engineering Considerations for Helicopter Construction Methods Learned on the Cricket Valley 345 kV Project

Transmission projects are increasingly crossing remote, undulated terrain to tie resources into the grid and are experiencing a growing number of access challenges as a result. Helicopter-supported construction provides a viable solution in these circumstances but introduces different challenges and considerations to the project simultaneously. The helicopter-supported design and construction challenges faced and overcome on the Cricket Valley Transmission Project provide an example for future projects facing similar challenges. Many of the 64 tubular steel structures were located near rocky outcrops designated as threatened and endangered species habitats, and the permitting required helicopter installation of both foundations and structures to lessen the potential impacts. Proactive helicopter operation planning during the design phase of the project assisted in a simplified permitting process and was a key component to avoiding costly design revisions and schedule delays during construction.