Transmission lines often present challenges relating to site conditions, but few can match those encountered in Alaska for construction of a new 97-mile, 230-kv line through parts of Fairbanks, across 60 miles of wetlands and discontinuous pemafrost and up into the mountains to Healy.

Fairbanks-based Golden Valley Electric Association’s $100-million line will be finished by Labor Day and includes 18 types of towers to handle varying terrain. Portions can only be reached for three months during the winter and other areas cannot be reached overland at all.