Client: PEPCO
Location: Washington, DC
Soltesz DC LLC (Soltesz) was selected by Pepco – An Exelon Company (Pepco) to provide professional engineering design services for the Capital Grid project referred to as Harvard to Champlain 230KV Underground Transmission in Washington, DC. The project consists of the installation of one (1) 8-way duct bank with two (2) 230kV feeders extending from Harvard Substation #13 to Champlain Substation #25 in Washington, DC. The project length is approximately 1.3 miles.
The duct bank alignment for this project lies in a well-established urban environment. One of the challenges this presented was the presence of an abundance of utility infrastructure from various municipalities as well as telecom and fiber infrastructure. The design process included identifying areas of potential conflict and proximity between the proposed electrical infrastructure and existing utilities using test pits. The test pits afforded significant information and clarity regarding utilities below grade. With this information, we engage the Pepco design team and worked through multiple concerns, and route alternatives.
Throughout the design process and to ensure high-quality standards, the Soltesz project manager regularly engages the design staff through each phase of design to address areas of concern and design challenges. Before every design milestone and for inclusion with the plan submission, the QA/QC process performed includes checking the plans against a detailed checklist. This ensures that specific progress, based on expectations at particular stages in the design phase, has been met and focuses the design team on areas to improve. This structure has worked well to streamline the review process, which affords time and space for further client and consultant collaboration on specific areas of conflict or concern and develop alternatives. In addition, internal project management also consists of weekly coordination of staff availability with other Soltesz PMs to ensure resources are available and maintain the project’s progress.