Hilliard Area: Hayden - RobertsTransmission Forestry Project

Trees are one of the top causes of power outages. As part of our ongoing efforts to help protect the electric grid, keep power flowing and comply with federal regulatory requirements, our forestry crews are continuing their work to prevent tree-related outages in your community.

Starting in March, crews will trim and remove trees and vegetation around AEP Ohio’s high-voltage transmission line in the Hilliard area. Work will begin at Hayden Substation off Hayden Run Road and will continue:

• Southeast for about 2 miles along the Heritage Rail-Trail
• Along Center Street for half a mile in downtown Hilliard
• 2.5 miles in Columbus along Scioto Darby Creek Road to Roberts Substation

For your safety, sections of the Heritage Rail-Trail will be temporarily closed while crews complete work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To minimize the impact, Pedestrians and cyclists will be rerouted through detours along the trail as shown in the above map.

This routine work helps prevent power outages and gives crews safe access to do routine maintenance and equipment repairs. One tree branch falling on a high-voltage transmission line can cause widespread, extended power outages across multiple states.

We appreciate your patience as we work to complete this important work.

Crews and contractors plan to begin maintenance work in March and continue through the spring, depending on weather and other factors. We've been coordinating with Hilliard city officials and are committed to keeping you updated throughout the process.

If work is planned on your property, we'll reach out in advance. Our crews will also knock on your door to discuss our plan. If you're unavailable when we visit, we'll leave a door hanger with details and a number to call with any questions. Please be sure we have your best contact information.

AEP Ohio is required by federal regulations to remove trees and other vegetation, including invasive species, that could interfere with the power grid. As part of our work, where possible, we work to replant areas we must clear with pollinator-friendly plant species. AEP Ohio uses a native seed mix for those replacements and works with public landowners and local communities to determine where pollinator plots are most appropriate. AEP Ohio intends to plant pollinator-friendly species along the Heritage Rail-Trail.