Carquinez Strait Powerline Crossing was the world's first powerline crossing of a large river. It was built in 1901 for a 60 kV powerline operated by Bay Counties Power Company to deliver electric power to Oakland, California. For this a crossing of Carquinez Strait was required, which has at its narrowest point a width of 1 kilometre (0.62 mi). Such a span width was impossible with wooden poles, which were common in those days. Installing an underwater cable was considered, but for reliability reasons an overhead powerline was installed, which used at the north site of the river a 68 metres (223.10 ft) tall lattice tower and at the south site one with a height of 20 metres (66 ft).
Famous quotes containing the words strait and/or crossing:
“We approached the Indian Island through the narrow strait called “Cook.” He said, “I ‘xpect we take in some water there, river so high,—never see it so high at this season. Very rough water there, but short; swamp steamboat once. Don’t paddle till I tell you, then you paddle right along.” It was a very short rapid. When we were in the midst of it he shouted “paddle,” and we shot through without taking in a drop.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“This was charming, no doubt: but they shortly found out
That the Captain they trusted so well
Had only one notion for crossing the ocean,
And that was to tingle his bell.”
—Lewis Carroll [Charles Lutwidge Dodgson] (1832–1898)