Traffic & Transit
800 People Lose Power As Vehicle Slams Into Utility Tower In Bedford
Police: Merrimack resident cited for speeding and driving in unsafe conditions. Back River Road remains closed as repairs are made.
BEDFORD, NH — Bedford Fire and Police responded to Back River Road Saturday during the snowstorm for a vehicle that struck a utility power structure.
On arrival, they found a large transmission tower that is part of the power grid in Southern NH and owned by National Grid. The transmission tower fell onto several Eversource utility lines that deliver power to the neighborhood.
Responders worked to remove the occupant of the vehicle safely. The driver, a resident of Merrimack, was cited for speeding and driving in unsafe conditions. The vehicle sustained heavy front-end damage, but no injuries were reported, and no transport was required from the scene, according to Bedford police.
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Initially, power was knocked out for about 800 customers. National Grid and Eversource workers responded to the scene and began coordinating the removal of the damaged structure. Large generators on tractor-trailers were brought to the area to supply local residences, and as of 1 p.m., less than 100 people were without power, which is expected to be reduced soon.
National Grid workers have a large crane and heavy-duty equipment. Once the tower is removed, the integrity of the Eversource power lines can be evaluated, and necessary repairs will be made.
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One source said the tower carries approximately 345,000 to 500,000 volts of electricity.
Back River Road is shut down to through traffic between County Road and Smith Road. It will remain closed through tonight. The road is expected to reopen overnight but will close again tomorrow to allow National Grid to complete necessary repairs.
The Bedford Police Department has opened its training room as a warming shelter. It will be open until 5 p.m. for anyone without power. People with questions should contact Bedford police at 603-472-5113.
The repair and replacement of the transmission tower is a significant project, and at this time, no information is available on when it will be completed.
©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news
