WORK ON THE POWERLINE UPGRADE IS BEGINNING THIS WEEK. IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY FOR HIKERS AND CREWS, THE POWERLINE PORTION OF THE RED TRAIL WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS YEAR.
 
The power company is widening the cleared right-of-way to 100 feet.
 
The right-of-way will be comprised of a natural grass strip from edge to edge with a 10’ all-weather stone access road in the center. The road also acts as a safety feature to help reduce the chance of fire from overhead electric wires. The improved right-of-way will include some new plantings. This project also includes a major upgrade to the power lines.
 
If you happen to encounter AEP workers and/or contractors, please maintain a safe distance from them as they perform all tasks necessary to upgrade the lines.
 
The power line parallels State Route 821 through the Eastern part of the Park between GWB Complex 1 and GWB Complexes 2 & 3. See the maps on our website. The Broughton Foundation and Broughton Commercial Properties, LLC have a very good working relationship with AEP. This relationship benefits Park users as well as local AEP customers by making it more efficient for the company to maintain and improve its transmission system.
 
The photo below shows the PowerLine section of the Red Trail from North to South, starting at the top of the ridge above GWB Complexes 2 and 3, as it appeared in the summer of 2017. The map can be viewed on the Maps-Trails-Activities page.