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.

Project Updates

Early 2025: As the project progresses, I&M representatives continue to work on the design and engineering of upgrades to the power grid. As a result, the project timeline has shifted. Company representatives are currently working to revise the project schedule.

Michiana Land Services (MLS) serves as I&M's right-of-way representative for this project. Landowners can expect to hear from a right-of-way agent to discuss field activities, construction and restoration.