Energy Central Ferry Fiber Phase II

Project Highlights

• Installed 77 miles of overhead and underground fiber optic cable along existing transmission systems.
• Divided into two segments with a first-time “patch panel to patch panel” design approach by the client.
• Overhead optical ground wire, isolators, and fiber optic attachment hardware were installed and tested, with end-to-end inspection completed.

Project Description

The Central Ferry Fiber Phase II project for the Bonneville Power Administration involved the construction, management, and inspection of 77 miles of fiber optic communications cable installed along existing transmission infrastructure near the lower Snake River in Washington. The project was divided into two main segments: from Franklin Substation to Lower Monumental Substation with a tie at Sacajawea Substation, and from Hatwai Substation to a point near Lower Granite Substation.

The work scope included the installation of both overhead ADSS and underground fiber optic cables, as well as optical ground wire, isolators, and supporting hardware. A key innovation was the client’s first-time use of a “patch panel to patch panel” design, offering critical insights for future deployments. Due to limited outage windows, challenging terrain, and seasonal weather, the project demanded strong coordination, prompting real-time collaboration between substation operators, contractors, and MacKay Sposito’s resident engineers and QA representatives. Weather-induced conduit issues were quickly resolved through expedited design changes, maintaining the project schedule and integrity.