Aboite Center - Illinois RoadTransmission Line Rebuild Project

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan power grid upgrades to improve electric reliability for customers in western Fort Wayne.

The Aboite Center-Illinois Road Transmission Line Rebuild Project involves rebuilding about 7 miles of 69-kilovolt transmission line connecting three area substations.

The project strengthens the electric transmission system by replacing aging wooden poles from the 1960s with modern steel poles. The existing transmission line has experienced more than 7 service interruptions since 2015 and requires frequent maintenance in its current condition. These upgrades improve operational performance, reduce the likelihood of extended power outages and enhance electric reliability for area customers.

Company representatives plan to rebuild most of the power line in or near the existing right-of-way, which may require acquiring new or updating existing property easements. Crews need to clear all trees and woody-stemmed vegetation within the 50-foot right-of-way corridor to ensure the safe construction, operation and maintenance of the power line.

For more information, go to indianamichiganpower.com/forestry.

Winter 2025: As the project progresses, I&M representatives continue to work on the design and engineering of the upgrade to the power grid. As a result, the project timeline has shifted.

Company representatives are currently planning for construction to start Fall 2027 and be completed by early 2028, with restoration work continued into Summer 2028, as weather permits.

If you have immediate questions or concerns regarding field activities and easement specifics prior to construction, please contact OR Colan (ORC), the right-of-way agency representing I&M on this project. Contact Lance Huffman, ORC Right-of-Way Agent by phone at (260) 820-3535 or email LHUFFMAN@ORCOLAN.COM.