Mount Heron - Coal CreekTransmission Line Rebuild Project

Appalachian Power representatives plan upgrades to the electric transmission grid in Buchanan and Tazewell counties. The project involves:

Building about 3.5 miles of new transmission line and the new Mount Heron Substation
Rebuilding about 11 miles of transmission line
Retiring about 4 miles of transmission line and two substations

Construction begins late 2025 and concludes by late 2027.

Project Updates

March 2025: The project team has determined proposed power line routes for the 3.5 miles of new transmission line. The interactive map above shows the proposed routes, which include about 1.5 miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line and 2 miles of 69-kV transmission line. Directly involved property owners can expect to hear about next steps from the right-of-way contractor representing Appalachian Power on this project.

July 22, 2024 - The project team is still working to finalize a line route. Right-of-way agents plan to work with impacted landowners as the project progresses.

May 5, 2023 - The project team has identified a new substation location and additional route options to build the transmission line. Landowners and community members are invited to a public open house to learn more about the project and provide input on route options. Since there is no formal presentation, residents may join the planned event at any time:

Wednesday, May 24, 5-7 p.m.
Appalachian College of Pharmacy gymnasium
1060 Dragon Road
Oakwood, VA 24631

November 17, 2021 - The project team has determined a proposed power line route. The interactive map above shows the existing transmission line that crews plan to rebuild in or near the existing right-of-way. Note that the proposed line route as shown is subject to change during final engineering and after additional studies including, but not limited to, ground surveys, geotechnical and environmental studies, and additional interviews with landowners are completed. Directly impacted landowners can expect to hear about next steps from the right-of-way contractor representing Appalachian Power.

September 23, 2021 - Project representatives encourage landowners to submit their feedback about the project by Friday, October 22. To provide comments on how this project affects your property or to provide special conditions related to your property, please use the comment form below or call 833-313-3743.

Project Releases

News Release - May 8, 2023 (PDF)

News Release - September 23, 2021 (PDF)

Map

Project Map (PDF)

Timeline

Structures

Crews plan to rebuild the line using steel H-frame structures and build the new line using steel single poles and lattice towers.

At Appalachian Power, we are committed to meeting the energy needs of customers while protecting the environment.

Typical structure height: 75-85 feet*
Typical right-of-way width: 100 feet*

*Exact structure, height and right-of-way requirements may vary

Project Maps

Please note that these maps are preliminary and do not reflect any final power line route decisions.

OVERVIEW MAP

Step 1: Below is an Overview Map that displays the entire project area. Please use the Overview Map to find the general location of your property.

Overview Map (PDF)

DETAILED MAPS

Step 2: Each outlined area on the Overview Map represents a single, numbered Map Page that shows that section in greater detail. Visit the appropriate Map Page below for your area.