Norwich — A crew from Source Helicopters, a subcontractor for Michels Power, work Tuesday on installing optical ground wire.  

The new wire, which serves as a lightning shield wire, also carries a fiber optic data cable that will enhance communication between electrical substations, switching stations and control units. Installation is taking place along a 26-mile Eversource right of way running through the towns of Franklin, Lebanon, Norwich and Preston.

The helicopter is used to both monitor the process of pulling the new wire, as well as installing the dolly rollers needed for the pulling operation and switching from the dollies to the housing units that hold the wire permanently.

The installation is being done above de-energized Eversource lines. Work is expected to be concluded on the pulling operations with the helicopter by the end of this week.

The line pulling work began in November along the right of way where 148 new transmission line structures replaced old structures in work done between March and December 2018.