It was also important to minimize disruption to the busy neighborhood, says Tim Faber, vice president of Burns & McDonnell’s transmission and distribution group. The pre-cast concrete building that houses the gas-insulated switchgear was designed with input from locals to resemble nearby university facilities. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a better looking substation than this one,” he points out.

The owner also wanted the contractors to be as accommodating as possible, according to Faber. Their efforts included communication on everything that would happen to nearby residents, and even shutting down construction for one-half day to accommodate a funeral procession passing through the neighborhood.

“We’re meeting an infrastructure need, but we’re also developing a great rapport within the neighborhood,” Faber says, also crediting efforts by Duquesne Light.