The initial stage of construction involves surveying, clearing vegetation, and providing access roads and crew work areas. Before other project work can begin, vegetation must be cleared from the right-of-way (ROW) to assist crews in creating a safe, level work surface. "Danger trees," those with the potential to fall into the lines, are removed. Survey crews will mark the limits of the ROW, access road locations, future structure locations, and sensitive natural areas. Crews will access sites with existing roads where practical, and where necessary new access roads will be constructed. Timber mats will be used to protect lawns, agricultural fields and other sensitive areas such as wetlands. Strict erosion and run-off controls will be in place and monitored throughout the project.

Structure types and heights are based on the unique engineering requirements for each structure location. The project will use steel single-circuit monopole structures that will either be directly embedded in the ground or erected on concrete foundations. For structures with foundations, concrete will be delivered to the site by truck. Once foundation work is complete, construction crews will erect the structures within the ROW. The steel monopoles will be transported in sections, assembled on-site using a truck-mounted crane, and then lifted onto their foundations. Embedded structures will be placed into excavations, which will then be backfilled.

Insulators and attachment hardware will be installed and stringing sheaves (rollers or blocks) attached to the insulators. The conductors (wires) will be strung by attaching the conductor to a steel line and pulled through each structure’s stringing sheaves under tension to keep the conductors well off the ground. Conductor-pulling sites located along the ROW will provide space for tractors, trailers with spools of conductor, and tensioning equipment.

Once the new structures are in place, the existing structures and wire will be taken down and recyclable components recovered. With the conclusion of construction activities timber matting will be removed, the ROW will be cleared of all materials and debris, and the site will then be seeded and monitored until vegetative cover is restored. Any disturbed soils will be stabilized, some areas may have additional vegetative buffers or other landscaping installed. Any impacted local roads will be restored to their original state.

The proposed substation work includes the full rebuild and relocation of the Jennison Substation in the vicinity of Mt. Pleasant Road in the Town of Bainbridge. After new access roads are installed, crews will clear vegetation and commence earth work, including cutting, filling and grading. Following the civil work, the substation pad will be built, allowing for foundations, conduit, and ground grids to be installed (in-ground works). Once a vast majority of in-ground works is completed, the above ground work will begin which involves installation of a control building, steel structures, transformers, and major equipment.