Why Are We Doing This Project?

Eversource and National Grid are planning to construct a new 12.1-mile, 115 kilovolt (kV) overhead transmission line between the Industrial Park Tap in Acushnet and Bell Rock Substation in Fall River to enhance system reliability and address the demand for electricity.  

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Where Is This Work Being Done?

We will build the portion of the new transmission line starting at the Mendall Road Tap in Acushnet, continuing for approximately 7.9 miles passing through Acushnet, New Bedford and Dartmouth. We will also upgrade equipment at our Acushnet and Tremont (Wareham) substations. 

National Grid will build the portion of the new transmission line starting in Dartmouth and continuing for approximately 4.2 miles through Fall River and ending at their Bell Rock Substation.

* Click map to enlarge

When Is The Work Being Done?

• Start of construction: May 26, 2026*
• Estimated in-service date: Early 2027*

*subject to change, pending necessary approvals

Construction Updates

Crews will begin to work within the existing right of way. Construction activities include the installation of temporary matting to provide safe access for crews, followed by drilling and installation of foundations and structures. Once the foundations and structures are in place we will begin the overhead portion of work, stringing the new transmission lines.

You can expect use of heavy machinery, including excavators and cranes, and safety measures in place at all work areas. Restoration of impacted areas after construction is complete

Work hours for New Bedford and Dartmouth are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Acushnet work hours are Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Week of July 13

Anticipated Construction Activities

Our crews will be mobilizing equipment and material onto the transmission line right-of-way (ROW) off of the areas listed below, to begin the installation of timber matting and environmental erosion controls. Timber mats are used to create access roads to allow for safe and efficient worksites, while protecting vegetation and wetlands.

• Mendall Road, Acushnet Avenue, Middle Road, Main Street and Park Drive
  

Our crews will also begin operations related to structure installments near the High Hill Substation off High Hill Road in North Dartmouth. Work related to structure installments includes worksite setup and drilling of foundations for structures. 

Siting Review

To construct and operate the new overhead transmission line, Eversource and National Grid filed a petition with the EFSB for approval. The petition filing is part of the regulatory review process as defined by Massachusetts state statutes.

Dates

• December 2021 - Initial EFSB filing 
• December 2023 - EFSB public hearings
• August 2023 - Environmental Impact Report (EIR) decision and certificate from Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office
• August 2024 - Approvals received from New Bedford and Dartmouth conservation commissions
• October 2024 - Approvals received from Acushnet conservation commission
• April 2026 - Approval received from the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB)

Community Outreach

We will continue to engage with town officials, residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders via municipal briefings, mailings and meetings to answer questions and coordinate project activities. We will keep you informed as the proposed project proceeds through the permitting process.

Have Questions?

Keeping the lines of communication open is an important part of our work in your community.

For more information about this project, please call the project information hotline at 1-833-836-0302 or email ProjectInfoMA@eversource.com.

For more information specific to National Grid's Fall River portion of the project, visit southcoastreliabilityprojects.com, send an email to National Grid at Info@SouthCoastReliabilityProjects.com or call 833-233-7277.