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Energy BPA Transmission Line Access Roads

A black Jeep Wrangler with “MacKay Sposito” branding is parked on a muddy ridge beside a utility access road, with power lines stretching across rolling green hills under an overcast sky.
Project Location
OR and WA
Client Bonneville Power Administration
Market Sector
Project Type
  • Transmission & Distribution

Project Highlights

  • Designed and inspected almost 400 miles of BPA access road improvements.
  • Delivered over 55 fish passage culvert designs across Washington and Oregon.
  • Supported projects from single-structure access to 40+ mile transmission line rebuilds.

Project Description

MacKay Sposito supports the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) in maintaining over 22,000 miles of access roads critical to the reliability of BPA’s 15,000-mile transmission line network across Oregon and Washington. This work includes field assessments of road conditions, cost estimating, construction document preparation, surveying, and construction inspection, often in rugged, remote locations. Particular attention is given to site-specific needs such as fish passage and slide repair designs.

Emphasizing practicality over complexity, MacKay Sposito utilizes a field-driven, resource-grade GPS design approach to meet BPA’s demand for simple, functional gravel roads. Their adaptable process reduces overengineering and prioritizes efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Trust and dedication underscore the partnership, with MacKay Sposito investing significantly in the resources necessary to deliver high-quality service for this $44 million initiative.