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.

Project Releases

Map

Project Map (PDF)

Timeline

Project Timeline

Structures

Structure

The project involves installing steel poles.

  • Structure Height: Approximately 75-100 feet*
  • Right-of-Way Width: Approximately 60-100 feet*

* Exact structure, height and right-of-way may vary

Resources

Property Easements Virtual Open House Project Fact Sheet Access Roads Field Activities

Indiana Michigan Power serves 575,000 customers in Indiana and Michigan.

www.IndianaMichiganPower.com

I&M Outreach Team

833-441-2260
IM_Outreach@aep.com

* Required field. By clicking submit, you agree to AEP's Privacy Policy.

Paper plane

Your message has been sent! We'll be in touch shortly.