Highlights of the project included nearly two miles of double circuit transmission duct bank with 10 transmission vaults; nearly 2.5 miles of distribution duct bank; installation of over 40,000 feet of XLPE 138kV cable, 30 high voltage splices and 18 open air terminations; installation of 7 self-supporting foundations; the installation of poles and the removal and demolition of over 40 steel structures.
The complex underground build out was constructed in the right-of-way on Flamingo Blvd. in Las Vegas, Nevada, at minimum depths of 13 feet, and crossed the world famous intersection of Flamingo Road & Las Vegas Boulevard (better known as "The Strip") four separate times. The location is considered one of the busiest intersections in the world coupled with nearby pedestrian traffic in which thousands of visitors make their way along "The Strip" each day, touring the local attractions. In addition to traffic and congestion, the construction of the underground system also encountered difficult digging conditions consisting of hard rock (caliche), ground water and contaminated soil. Every day brought a new issue for the project team to work through and resolve. This unique and multifaceted project catered well to the many different specialty disciplines that comprise Wilson. Wilson self-performed services on the project from the following in-house divisions and departments: overhead transmission, underground transmission, foundation, environmental and substation. Wilson's ability to pull resources from each of these in-house specialties, coupled with our construction and engineering partners, allowed for a symbiotic relationship that benefitted planning, scheduling, coordination, construction and compliance that proved key in constructing the project on time and under budget and with no recordable injuries.