Have you wondered about the rainbow of colored lines snaking across the roads and land of the Lab’s hill site? They are the result of site survey activity by the Projects Infrastructure Modernization Division (PIMD) for the Linear Assets Modernization Project (LAMP).

What is LAMP?

LAMP is a long term infrastructure project to design and construct utility upgrades across the Lab, including electricity, water, natural gas, compressed air, sewer, storm drain, process controls and IT. These upgrades will:

• Modernize the linear utilities across the site, including natural gas, electrical distribution, and water services and, where possible, add system loops, which will increase utility service diversity and resiliency.
• Develop utility corridors where common system alignments are practical. Utility corridors will create future operations and maintenance efficiencies, which means fewer traffic impacts and fewer maintenance outages.
• Increase electrical capacity at Grizzly Substation, and provide additional power for users.

LAMP design and construction efforts will span approximately 10 years. The project will be focused into two subprojects:

• Subproject 1: Increase the capacity of the Grizzly Substation, provide additional power to Building 59 for NERSC, and perform utility upgrades in the Lawrence Corridor.
• Subproject 2: Perform utility upgrades in the East Canyon Corridor and McMillan Corridor.

What are the locating markings for? 

The markings will follow the scope lines outlined in the map above, covering much of the Lab’s hill site. 

This project is currently preparing to go into a Procurement phase to seek Design Build firms that will design and construct the project. The utility locations will be shared with potential Design Build partners.

Wait, so what do the colors mean?

Here’s a key code for those who might be interested in understanding the utility paths:

Red = Electrical
Orange = Communications
Yellow = Gas or Compressed Air
Green = Storm (SD) or Sanitary Sewer (SS)
Blue = City Water
Pink = Unknown

When will I be hearing more about LAMP or seeing construction?

Construction is tentatively expected to start around 2026 and is planned to begin first in the areas on the map marked as “Grizzly Sub”, followed by “Lawrence Corridor”. PIMD is currently preparing for a lengthy bid process to get a Design Build partner. Once they are onboard, they will work with PIMD and Facilities Engineering to develop design plans and purchase long lead equipment, before construction can begin.

Additional information on LAMP, including more about the benefits of this immense infrastructure effort, impacts on the Lab, and construction timelines, will be shared in future articles posted to Elements.

What if I want to learn more?

Send questions to LAMP_Updates@lbl.gov.