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 Upcoming Road Closures*

East Cedar Avenue

• Nov. 4 – 20 and Dec. 1 – 15: between S Fairfax St. and S Forest St.
• Dec. 16 – Jan. 5: between S Fairfax and S Elm St.
• Jan. 5 – 13 and Mar. 16 – 30: between S Birch St. and S Clermont St.
• Jan. 5 – 19: between S Elm St. and S Eudora St.
• Jan. 19 – Feb. 2: between S Eudora St. and S Dahlia St.
• Feb. 2 – 16: between S Dahlia St. and S Dexter St.
• Feb. 16 – Mar. 2: between S Dexter St. and S Cherry St.
• Mar. 2 – 16: between S Cherry St. and S Clermont St.

South Jersey Street

• Jan. 5 – 26: between E Virginia Ave. and Leetsdale Dr.

East Dakota Avenue                                                       

• Dec. 5 – 18: between S Grape St. and S Hudson St.

East Ellsworth Avenue

• Dec. 4 – 8: between N Jackson St. and N Harrison St.
• Feb. 1 – Mar. 20: between N Harrison St. and S Albion St. (Colorado Blvd. remains open)

East Virginia Avenue

• Jan. 26 – Feb. 16: between S Jersey St. and S Ivy St.

South Ivy Street

• Feb 16. – Mar. 2: between E Virginia Ave. and E Dakota Ave.

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

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