Leetsdale-Monroe-Elati 230-kV Underground Transmission Line Replacement

Project Overview

Xcel Energy plans to replace the six-mile-long 230-kilovolt (kV) Leetsdale-Monroe-Elati underground transmission line in central and southeast Denver. This and adjacent areas have experienced tremendous growth in recent years, which has increased the demand for additional, reliable electricity. To address the need, we will install a larger, more modern electric cable system.

The existing underground transmission line must be relocated to be replaced due to its location predominantly beneath Leetsdale Drive and Speer Boulevard, both heavily used thoroughfares. Concerns for public and occupational safety in heavy traffic areas during construction, constraints associated with keeping the line energized during construction and the underground space allowance needed to replace the line prohibit a rebuild in place. The proposed route location avoids collector and aerial roadways, which supports the safe construction, operations and maintenance of the underground line.

Construction Activities

Here’s what you can expect.

Phase 1 pre-construction work, between the Leetsdale and Monroe substations, began in late September 2025. You may notice:

• Onsite field assessments.
• Marking of utility lines, survey holes, equipment and work areas.
• Soil sampling in roadways.
• Pruning, trimming and/or vegetation removal.

Construction is anticipated to begin in early November. You may notice:

• Street and sidewalk closures, detours and signs.
• Increased travel time for commuters.
• Traffic control.
• Temporary changes to access, street and street-parking closures.
• Erosion and sediment control installation around work zones.
• Work zone fencing, equipment and material staging in and along streets.
• Construction operations, dust and noise.

During construction, we’ll install the new electric transmission lines and precast vaults using the open trench method, which involves cutting and removing street pavement to excavate a trench to place the electrical equipment within it.

Construction crews will work Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., and Saturday’s between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. In certain situations, crews may be required to work evenings, nights, or Sundays.

We will restore work areas to conditions required by permits as weather allows. Work areas may be left temporarily restored after construction until we can complete final restoration.

Phase 1 Leetsdale to Monroe

(November 2025 – Spring 2027)

  *Map components are not to scale and are for illustration purposes only.

Phase 1 Temporary Road Closures*

Schedule updated: 03/03/2026

East Cedar Avenue

• Jan. 30 – Mar. 4: between S Elm St. and S Dahlia St. (S Eudora St. intersection closed)
• Mar. 4 – 16: between S Eudora St. and S Dexter St. (S Dahlia St. intersection closed)

South Ivy Street

• Feb. 16 – Mar. 9: between E Dakota Ave. and E Virginia Ave. (hard closure no residential street parking on S Ivy; parking available on Virginia Ave.)

East Ellsworth Avenue                                                       

• Mar. 2 – 16: between Harrison St. and S Garfield St. (Jackson St. intersection closed, intermittent alleyway access restriction)

South Glencoe Street (between E Dakota Ave. and E Alameda Ave.) * POSTPONED * Not closing S Glencoe Mar. 2 – 13. Closure TBD. 

East Dakota Avenue                                                       

• Mar. 6 – 23: between S Ivy St. and S Holly St (intermittent alleyway access restrictions)

South Birch Street                                                       

• Forecasted as mid-to-late April through early June 2026

*The schedule may be adjusted due to unexpected factors, including weather conditions, the availability of materials or resources, and discovery of underground obstacles.

Project Timeline

• Project Planning: 2023 - 2025
• Permitting: 2025 - 2026
• Public Outreach: 2025 - 2028
• Pre-construction: 2025 - 2026
• Construction:
•      Phase 1: 2025 - 2027
•      Phase 2: 2026 - 2028
• In Service: 2028