A 131-ton transformer will be sitting at a rail siding in Marshall until the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) issues a permit to move.
The transformer is one of four that Dominion Virginia Power will use to upgrade the Pleasant View Substation off Route 653, or Conchran Mill Road, in Leesburg. The upgrade, which will include a spare transformer, will accommodate increased electricity demand in the county.
"Loudoun County and all of Northern Virginia have grown tremendously over the years through economic development, job creation and improved quality of life," said David Botkins, spokesperson for Dominion. "As the boards of supervisors have approved this additional development throughout Northern Virginia, the electricity needs for the area have gone up. And this piece of equipment is fundamentally important to keep the electricity flowing."
The transformer was produced in the Netherlands, then transported by ship to the United States and moved by rail from Norfolk to Marshall. VDOT approved a route on June 24 to continue moving the transformer to Leesburg. The route will start at Routes 55 and continue to Routes 709, 50, 612 and 15, the Route 7/15 bypass, the Dulles Greenway and Routes 643 and 653.
Before the transformer can be moved to its final destination on Route 653, VDOT has to issue a tree trimming permit for trees in Middleburg and Fauquier County, then issue the permit to move the unit to Loudoun. Trees along the route through Loudoun were trimmed in early July except in Middleburg. "We identified limbs that had to be removed," said Jim Cline, assistant division administrator for VDOT, adding that whole trees will not have to be cut for the move.
VDOT and Dominion officials met with residents along the route, including those living along Route 709 or Zulla Road in Fauquier County, at the Middleburg town hall July 18 to hear their concerns and discuss the transformer move and the tree cutting that still needs to be done in Middleburg and Fauquier County. After the meeting, VDOT and Dominion decided to mark the trees before the trimming occurs, which will be conducted by both agencies.
"All systems appear to be a go," Botkins said. "We have been meeting with property owners, local officials and stake holders who have an interest in this move. Moves like this have been made in the past, and we're working with a professional company."
The other three transformers are slated to be moved by the end of the year. A move date for the first transformer has not been set.