East Allen CountyTransmission Line Project

Indiana Michigan Power representatives plan power grid upgrades to improve electric reliability for area customers.

The East Allen County Transmission Line Project involves:

• Rebuilding about 12 miles of power line between Ricker Road outside Fort Wayne and Sowers Substation off Ohio Indiana State Line Road in Scipio Township
• Replacing about 6 miles of wire on existing structures between Robison Park Substation off Diebold Road in St. Joseph Township and Ricker Road in Milan Township
• Upgrading Grabill Substation located off Antwerp Road in Cedar Creek Township

The project strengthens the local electric transmission system by replacing deteriorating wooden H-frame structures that date back to the 1960s with modern steel poles. The power line has experienced multiple outages over the past five years. The upgrades improve operational performance, reduce the likelihood of extended power outages and enhance electric reliability for local customers.

Company officials expect construction to begin in spring 2024 and conclude in fall 2025.

Company representatives plan to conduct field survey work as part of this project, so you may see crews walking or driving in the right-of-way. The surveys are scheduled to start the week of April 11 and continue through spring, depending on weather and other factors.

Crews plan to complete environmental surveys that include collecting topographical data such as the location of streams, wetlands and potential habitats for endangered species. Some of the survey work may require crews to place stakes and ribbon within the company’s easement on your property.

Volkert, Inc. serves as I&M’s right-of-way representative on this project. Landowners can expect to hear from a right-of-way agent in the coming weeks. Company representatives may need to supplement easements for the transmission line. Easements are defined land rights that property owners grant the utility to allow for the safe construction, operation and maintenance of the power line.