Briefing Document for Long Island Sound Cable Modernization Project

Point of Contact:
Jim Certa, director of Community Affairs
New York Power Authority
914-261-8658; James.Certa@nypa.gov

Project Description:

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is moving forward with a $70 million modernization of the Nassau County section of the Long Island Sound Cable (Y-49). The underground transmission line transverses Westchester County, the Long Island Sound and Nassau County, carrying up to 600 megawatts of electricity to Long Island. The project is the first in a series of investments in the region meant to be a part of the Power Authority’s long-term plan to provide reliable, clean power as part of NYPA’s VISION2030.

The 26-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission line has been providing power to communities on Long Island since 1991. The Power Authority’s modernization initiative for the Nassau segment will ensure the continued reliable supply of electricity to homes and businesses while improving operating efficiency.

In addition to replacing approximately 10 miles of the transmission line in Nassau County, the project—which will begin construction this October and complete in 2023—will include the installation of additional manholes, fiber optic communication replacements in both Westchester and Nassau counties, and instrumentation improvements to bring operational flexibility to the line and alleviate the risk of faults.

Crews will establish work sites above manholes and move along main roads in Roslyn, Mineola, East Williston, and Port Washington throughout the construction period for the transmission cable replacement. The project team will be storing construction equipment throughout the duration of the work at parking lot locations in Port Washington and East Garden City.

NYPA is coordinating closely with the appropriate state, regional and local government representatives in preparation for the start of construction.

No power service disruptions are anticipated due to the project, however, because the Nassau segment of the line is buried underneath roadways, there will be some disruptions to traffic