Sourwood - Hales BranchTransmission Line Rebuild Project

Appalachian Power representatives plan upgrades to the transmission line system in McDowell County, West Virginia and Buchanan County, Virginia. The Sourwood-Hales Branch Transmission Line Rebuild Project involves rebuilding about 11 miles of the existing Sourwood - Hales Branch 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line from the Sourwood Substation to the Hales Branch Substation.

This project replaces aging equipment and improves electric reliability for area residents. Company representatives expect construction to begin fall 2026.

Project Updates

November 18, 2024 - Due to project schedule changes, right-of-way agents have postponed reaching out to landowners to discuss next steps. We plan to provide you with more information on the project scheduled once it’s available.

August 23, 2023 -Company representatives have determined a proposed line route after reviewing input from landowners and community members, environmental impact and land use. The project involves rebuilding about 7 miles of the power line near or within the company’s existing right-of-way. Crews plan to rebuild about 4 miles of power line in new right-of-way. Appalachian Power's right-of-way representative plans to contact affected landowners in mid-2024 to discuss next steps.

March 9, 2023 - The project team invites landowners and community members to attend 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 and at a location that is most convenient to them. Project representatives encourage landowners to submit their feedback about the project by Monday, April 10.

Tuesday, April 4, 5-7 p.m
Mount View High School Cafeteria
950 Mount View Road
Welch, VA 24801

Wednesday, April 5, 5-7 p.m.
Twin Valley High School Gymnasium
14449 Dismal River Road
Pilgrim Knob, VA 24634

Project Releases

News Release - March 10, 2023 (PDF)

Timeline

Structures

Crews plan to rebuild the line using primarily guyed-V, H-frames and lattice towers.

Proposed Structure Height: Approximately 80-90 feet*
Proposed 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.