Marine traffic in Strait of Canso could be affected by electrical line installation

Marine traffic disruptions are expected as Nova Scotia Power continues with construction of six transmission towers across the Strait of Canso.

The utility advises that traffic may be restricted and delays should be expected in the area of Georges Bay and the Canso Causeway locks until late December.

Vessels intending to travel through this area are asked to contact the onsite standby vessel or the Canso Lock, and proceed with caution through the area.

The utility has been building transmission towers across the strait since February. Site clearing and tower construction has already been completed.

“One of the final pieces of work is to install high voltage electrical lines on the new towers that will create two separate circuits across the strait,” Tom Flewwelling, senior project manager with NSP, said in a press release.

“This separation will establish an alternative power connection between Cape Breton and mainland Nova Scotia improving service reliability for our customers in the event of a significant outage.”

Flewwelling said installing the electrical lines requires significant, co-ordinated effort to pull and tension the lines to the appropriate height across water, land, a railway and roadways.

Navigational lights on the older towers are also in the process of being moved to new, higher towers.