Ori likens the project to a New York City high-rise because the site is sandwiched between a pair of switch yards, with little to no space to accommodate staging. As a result, team members identified and secured several offsite lay-down spaces, some indoors, others outdoors.

They also optioned a park about one-third of a mile off site to construct a temporary enclosure for both storage and parking, the stipulation being that ML&P would implement park upgrades once work on the project is complete.

"From parking, we're busing 100 to 150 workers to the site, then busing them back at the end of their shifts," says Jenkins.

The storage and parking facility also houses plant equipment awaiting installation. To maintain schedule, the team identified and specified long-lead items at the outset, including generator step-up transformers and steam turbine components.

Come summer, logistics will figure even more prominently as up to 250 workers arrive on site. To date, work is proceeding under budget and ahead of schedule, accomplishments Trent attributes to both a relatively mild winter and a well-oiled project team.

In addition to improving service for ML&P customers, Trent anticipates that the completed facility will become a magnet for visitors, particularly colleagues from other regions interested in its superior efficiencies.