Swissgrid has started the replacement of the four broken pylons on the Albula Pass. If the works go according to plan, the two lines affected will go back into operation in summer.

Swissgrid began the repairs on the 380 kV lines in mid-April. Currently the foundations of the four toppled pylons are reconstructed. Then new pylons and the conductor ropes will be installed. Completion of the repair work and restoration of the line is scheduled for end of July 2019.

In the night of 29 to 30 October 2018, extremely high winds during the storm Vaia caused four pylons in the area of the Albula Pass to tilt. The two 380 kV lines affected (Filisur – Robbia and Pradella – Robbia – Sils) have been out of service ever since. Due to the risk of avalanches, Swissgrid decided not to construct a provisional connection with emergency pylons during the winter for safety reasons. Replacement of the broken pylons on this important north-south connection is therefore urgent. The project was approved by the Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations (ESTI) on 11 March 2019.

Grid security in the transmission grid has been ensured at all times, and no supply disruptions have been recorded in the transmission grid as a result of the damage. The (n-1) grid security is guaranteed, but the transit capacity in the direction of Italy is reduced until the line has been restored.