• Extreme Transmission Construction Challenges

    Manitoba Transmission project rises above it all.

    Manitoba Hydro recently completed the Manitoba-Minnesota transmission project (MMTP), a 213-km (132-mile), 500-kV ac transmission line built to deliver additional electricity to its neighbor Minnesota Power over the next 15 years.

    MMTP was a major achievement for Manitoba Hydro despite challenging weather conditions, a narrow construction window, boggy terrain and the COVID-19 pandemic. This project required the utility to proactively identify and manage risks quickly to ensure the work would not be interrupted, considering the condensed construction schedule. The project team had to be agile in adapting to sudden challenges and communicate closely with team members to resolve problems quickly. MMTP was an opportunity to demonstrate the utility’s ability to work together effectively and overcome challenges quickly for a successful project completion.

    Following are images of the process, originally featured in the in-depth article appearing in the September issue of T&D World. For the full story, see "Manitoba Transmission Project Rises Above it All."

    About the Author

    Nahome Birru

    Nahome Birru ([email protected]) is a civil engineer with Manitoba Hydro in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He graduated with a BSCE degree from the University of Manitoba in 2012. He led contract management of the 240-km (150-mile) N1 section of the Bipole III transmission line project until its completion in spring 2018. After completion of Bipole III, Birru led the contract management of section 1 of the Manitoba-Minnesota transmission project.

    Michelle Bakkelund

    Michelle Bakkelund ([email protected]) is a civil engineer with Manitoba Hydro in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She graduated with a BSCE degree from the University of Manitoba in 2013. She led contract management of the 200-km (125-mile) N4 section of the Bipole III transmission line project until its completion in spring 2018. After completion of Bipole III, Bakkelund led the contract management of section 2 of the Manitoba-Minnesota transmission project

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