More construction fences are up at UNM, but this time most of the work is underground. The start of Phase III of the Electrical Distribution System Upgrade Project at UNM, which will replace the older electrical system with a new and more reliable system for central campus, recently got underway. This phase of the Electrical System Upgrade (ESU) will occupy the area just east of Student Services through October and then continue through other areas of central Campus.
The ESU project began in 1999 to replace the existing 40-year old system. Now four years into the project, the ESU team is targeting central campus with plans to upgrade the current 4.16kV system to a 12.47kV system. ESU will replace the older electrical system with the best, most dependable system on the market today.
“It is a highly reliable electrical system that provides certain amenities not provided by the old system. It is the best electrical system out there,” said Associate Director for Construction and Engineering, Don Knox.
Although most of the work is done underground, large machinery and equipment will be used throughout the project. The new distribution system will connect the underground system with above ground transformers, which will ultimately affect the following facilities:
· Scholes Hall
· Bandelier Hall (East and West)
· Anthropology Annex
· EECE/Centennial Library and Engineering Computer Pod
· President's House
· Graduate School of Management/Parish Library
· Economics/Social Sciences/ASM
· College of Education Complex
· Zimmerman Library
· Mesa Vista Hall
· Student Health Center
· Johnson Center
· Fine Arts Center/Popejoy Hall
· Bookstore
Phase III of ESU will draw to a close at the end of June. UNM assigned U.S. Electrical Corporation as the project contractor. Project construction costs for ESU Phase III are approximately $1.9 million.
ESU is another example of UNM’s commitment to provide its faculty, staff and students with safe and reliable services. The new above ground transformers and pad-mount switches will make access to future projects easier and more efficient. Upon the ESU completion, UNM central campus will have the best electrical system available in the market.
For more information about ESU, current progression of the project and handicap access routes, please visit Way to Go.
Contact: Allie Thompson, (505) 277-7584