Reducing the duration of right-of-way acquisition process for high voltage transmission power lines projects

Abstract

Right of way process of high voltage, 110–132 K.V, transmission power lines projects is complicated process as it is based on more than fifty interrelated steps that involve several departments and governmental agencies to obtain the necessary permits and secure approvals of power lines routes. Permitting process has to be within time frame of about one to one and a half year which is composing twenty five to thirty percent of project life cycle. Obtaining permits is in accordance with pre-set technical and economical constraints is more challenging factors to assure constructability and maintainability of route proposal. This paper will focus on the factors affecting the R.O.W process of high voltage transmission lines by presenting systematic approach entitled; six phases of high voltage transmission lines R.O.W process. Among the phases is proposing three routes for transmission lines then its study to select the most cost effective route by utilizing CAD & DEM files. Field portion of the process is significant, gathering field data accurately then analyzing to converting into profile and route maps is vital phase, this phase has couple of criteria to make sure the data obtained during site visit is in integration with technical and economical requirements. Also identifying risks encountered during study of route alternatives along with mitigation measures is discussed; risk identification of process will speed up the R.O.W by minimizing permitting duration particularly at phase five as it is alone consumes 70–80 % of the whole permitting process duration.