Oncor Plans to Replace Transmission Towers Along Redding Trail

Addison Parks and Recreation Director Janna Tidwell briefed Council at its January 28 work session about Oncor's 1.3 mile transmission tower replacement project that will impact the cities of Carrollton, Farmers Branch and Addison. In Addison, the land upon which the Redding Trail and the Redding Trail Dog Park are constructed is owned by Oncor and included within the construction area.

Typically when Oncor embarks on a project of this scale, they attempt to bring easements into compliance with their current Hike and Bike Trail Guidelines established in 2014. This can include the removal of trees, shrubs, berms, and signage to access transmission towers. 

Oncor is working closely with Town staff to balance Oncor's desire to comply with their hike and bike trail guidelines and the Town's investment into the beautification and functionality of Redding Trail. Oncor expressed to staff that trees planted within the sag zone (the low point of the wires between the poles) of the transmission lines and vegetation that exceeds the 15 feet maximum height requirement defined in the license agreement were the biggest concerns.

Oncor has heard staff and Council's concerns and offered several compromises which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Limit removal of ornamental trees to those directly around the towers and under the sag zone of transmission lines.
• Prune shrubs along park boundaries to 10' tall and the Town will agree to maintain that height moving forward.
• Allow the Town to temporarily remove light poles and signage in the path of construction, but allow the Town to re-install them once construction is complete.
• Limit removal of berms and shrubs to only those areas necessary for access.
• Repair turf damaged during construction with sod.
• Repair any damage made to the irrigation system.
• Repair any damaged concrete along the trail.
• Work with staff to allow maintenance of the area during construction.
• Allow existing spray irrigation to remain.
• Leave half of the Dog Park open for use during construction. 
• Allow a seating area located directly under the transmission lines to remain.
• Allow the replacement of removed ornamental trees with new ornamental trees located within visual interest zones not to exceed 15 feet in height, per the original license agreement with Oncor. 

Oncor plans to begin communicating with residents about the project in June. Vegetation removal, which will begin in July, is anticipated to take one month. Installation of the new towers is scheduled to be begin in August and be complete by the end of November.

You can watch Council's discussion on the new transmission towers here and read the presentation here.