Nearly 100 tons of submarine power cable arrived at the south end of Hatteras Island on January 17. It officially marked the operational start of Tideland EMC’s $3.5 million project to counteract rapid coastal erosion and ensure reliable transmission service to Ocracoke Island.
The cable is readied for off-loading from the transport vehicle. Photo courtesy of Daniel Pullen.
The cable arrived by barge in Virginia where it was then transferred to a transport vehicle. Two cranes offloaded the cable from the transport vehicle and onto a modified “beach” truck that will move the cable along Pole Road during the burying process. A system of wooden mats, similar to those used in logging operations, is used to keep the truck moving along the sandy stretch of road.
More than 5,000 feet of cable had been installed to date. When complete, 10,800 feet will have been installed to connect with the existing 20,450 feet of submarine cable that crosses Hatteras Inlet to provide electric service to Ocracoke.
Depending on weather, the project should be complete by April.