PORT JERVIS – The next phase of construction for Orange & Rockland Utilities’ new $38.2-million Port Jervis electric substation project calls for closing West Main Street to through traffic between Grand View Avenue and Park Avenue for approximately one month beginning Monday, April 27.
Both Grand View and Park Avenues will remain open to traffic. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area by using River Road and Pike Street as alternate routes.
The temporary street closing reflects the progress O&R has made since it began working on this project in December. The existing substation infrastructure has been removed and construction has begun on the new substation. That new work includes installing the underground electrical conduits beneath West Main St.
All O&R company and contract personnel working on this project have been instructed to follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines during the health emergency, including wearing protective masks and practicing social distancing with each other and members of the public, in an attempt to keep everyone safe from the coronavirus.
The traffic restriction is required in order to complete this work safely. Traffic controls and detours for this project have been established in accordance with State Department of Transportation regulations and have been approved by the city. This project is considered essential construction under Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.6 from March 22.
The new larger, modern substation is designed to improve electric service reliability for O&R’s approximately 7,700 customers in the area. It will offer more switching options to help restore service interruptions more quickly and it will allow O&R to better integrate renewable energy and advanced technologies onto the power grid.
Under current rates, O&R estimates the new Port Jervis substation will result in approximately $1.9 million in increased tax revenues to the city and its schools each year. This project’s in-service date is June 2021.
