The power line right-of-way is cleared of vegetation to allow operation of a 735-kV line according to the established standards. The work can be done by the landowner or by a logging contractor appointed by Hydro-Québec after an agreement is reached with the landowner. Depending on the terms of the agreement, the cut wood is either left with the landowner or recovered by Hydro-Québec.

Temporary access roads are used to build the line. A crew sets up the equipment and structures necessary to protect watercourses, cultivated lands and other sensitive components.

The various tower parts are manufactured and delivered by type. The stockpile managers take care to organize the hundreds of parts in the order in which they'll be used on each tower. In fact, each tower has different characteristics based on angle, topography and soil capacity.

The steel parts needed for the placement of the foundations are delivered by semi-trailer at the edge of the right-of-way and are usually transported to the jobsites by crawler carrier. Then the steel tower parts and hardware are delivered to their sites by the same method.

A work crew excavates the foundations using bulldozers and hydraulic shovels. Depending on the nature of the soil, the foundation may be made of fill delivered by truck or crawler carrier, or of concrete, which may be delivered or prepared on-site. Once the foundation is in place, the excavation is backfilled.

In the case of the Montérégie loop, particular attention was paid to the planning of the foundation work. In the more sensitive areas, such as agricultural lands, the work was done early in the year when the ground was still frozen, thus reducing soil compaction from heavy machinery.

A crew assembles the towers using cranes and bulldozers. The 800-parts of a 735-kV double-circuit tower contain some 10,000 bolt perforations ... Definitely a job best left to the professionals.

The tower is then erected by means of a telescopic crane.

The conductor stringing is done segment by segment. The conductor is paid out from a cable drum at one end of the segment and run through stringing blocks at the tops of the towers. At the other end of the segment are a puller and a take-up reel. Line crews are on hand to ensure that the operation runs smoothly.

Finally, for tower grounding and protection from lightning, "counterpoises" or anchor rods are installed in the ground.

A compliance monitoring plan is prepared for each project according to the specific requirements of the engineering team. Hydro-Québec inspectors ensure that ISO 9001 (quality management system) and ISO 14001 standards (environmental management system) are met throughout the project; their inspections include sampling of steel, foundations, conductors and other components.

At the end of the work, before the crews get authorization to leave the site, Hydro-Québec conducts a final inspection in order to ensure that all aspects of the project meet the current standards.

At the end of the project, work begins on restoring the right-of-way and dismantling temporary access roads. A tour of the site with the landowner ensures that the restoration work meets his expectations. Compensation is also provided for any losses incurred.

When a new right-of-way is located in a wooded area and is adjacent to a field where there are farming or silviculture operations, Hydro-Québec will, at the landowner's request, evaluate the possibility of cultivating the land. If the land presents adequate potential, Hydro-Québec will carry out the necessary preparations such as grubbing, destoning, draining, etc.