Transmission Counterpoise along BNSF Railroad

Montgomery County, Texas

With growing concerns about the effects of electromagnetic fields generated by overhead electric transmission lines on the rails of tracks managed by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF). DCCM was selected to design and coordinate with the client and BNSF for the installation of a counterpoise system to neutralize electromagnetic fields along 12 miles of paralleling tracks and a 345-kilovolt transmission line. This counterpoise system consisted of four 500 MCM buried bare copper cables along the BNSF right-of-way, two on each side, installed at strategic distances from the tracks to achieve optimal efficiency for its purpose. DCCM developed detailed construction drawings for cable installation, including horizontal directional drilling, a railroad plow, and an open trench. DCCM obtained all necessary permits from the County, TxDOT, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and BNSF.

At a Glance

345 kV

Transmission Line

12 Miles

Railroad

Services

Markets

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