I&M plans $61M northeast Indiana upgrade project

Fort Wayne-based Indiana Michigan Power on Monday announced plans to invest $61 million to enhance its electric transmission network in Noble and Whitley counties.

The utility said the Albion Area Improvements Project will involve rebuilding nearly 25 miles of transmission lines and replacing equipment at two substations.

The existing transmission lines in the area feature wooden poles and H-frame structures that date back to the 1950s and have seen more than 35 service interruptions since 2015, I&M said in a news release.

The project will replace the wooden poles with steel poles that the utility said would strengthen the line against weather, reduce frequent maintenance and improve performance.

In addition to replacing equipment at the Albion and Kendallville substations, I&M plans to rebuild 10 miles of transmission line between Kendallville and Albion, about five miles between Albion and Wolf Lake, and about nine miles between Tri-Lakes and Larwill.

Construction is slated to begin in early 2025 and be complete by the end of the year. I&M says right-of-way communications will begin this spring, with field surveying and engineering work taking place through the end of 2024.

You can learn more about the project by clicking here.