Fort Wayne - BlufftonTransmission Line Rebuild Project

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan to upgrade the electric transmission network serving customers in northern Indiana.

The project involves:

Updating approximately 26 miles of power line between Bluffton and Fort Wayne
Building a proposed 12-mile power line connecting Murray Substation with lines south of Bluffton. This double-circuit line is planned to operate at 69-kilovolts (kV) with one circuit built to 138-kV standards
Building a proposed 4-mile 69-kV power line to provide looped service between the Uniondale and Kingsland substations
Building Baer Substation in Fort Wayne, near the Baer Road and Baer Field Thruway intersection

An upgrade to modern steel poles reduces the need for frequent power line maintenance and improves the lines operational performance. The planned substation upgrades also help to reduce the likelihood of larger, sustained outages.

A Virtual Open House was held from May through July of 2021 for local community members and stakeholders to provide the project team with feedback. With the help and input of landowners in the area, I&M representatives were able to identify a proposed final route for the project.

Company officials expect construction to begin in late 2022 and conclude in late 2026.

Project Updates

September 2021: I&M representatives announce the final proposed route for this project. Feedback provided from the community helped determine this route.

July 2021: To confirm that we capture feedback from the entire community, we have extended the feedback through July 30th.

May 2021: As a result of the social distancing recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we invite you to join us for a virtual open house to learn more about the project and share your input, particularly on possible route options for the new power line. Provide comments through a "Contact Us" link. Please share your input by June 18.