Watson Gravel Line Relocation

Service Electric crews recently wrapped up a unique and challenging line relocation project for Duke Energy at the Watson Gravel site in Hamilton, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati. Spanning from January through May, the job was completed safely and on time, despite months of unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and a complex river crossing.

This wasn’t your typical relocation. The project was driven not by the utility, but by Watson Gravel itself. The land beneath the original 69kV transmission line had grown increasingly valuable for gravel operations, prompting the company to fund the relocation to maximize the use of their property. Service Electric was brought in to make it happen.

Foreman Nate Neeley and his crew were tasked with relocating roughly 2.5 miles of 69kV line. The scope of work included new construction of hybrid, direct-embed, and foundation poles, ranging from 65 to 110 feet tall. One of the most technically impressive parts of the project was crossing the line over a 760-foot-wide river. This was accomplished using a coaxial octocopter drone, which performed a rope pull across the span—a feat made even more difficult by high winds during the operation.

The team installed two new 69kV G.O.A.B. switches with interrupters and utilized a fleet of equipment in the process, including 40-ton cranes, pressure diggers, four 100-foot bucket trucks, rope rigs, skid steers, and dump trucks.

The site’s soft sediment led to washouts and instability, but strategic planning and the right equipment allowed the team to adapt on the fly. Despite over six inches of rainfall and frequent weather delays, Nate’s crew stayed on schedule and kept the project moving safely.

The Watson Gravel project showcased the expertise and innovation that define Service Electric crews in the field. A huge thank you to Nate and the entire team for pushing through tough conditions and continuing to uphold our standard of excellence.