Leesburg - Covington Transmission Line Rebuild Project

AEP Transmission representatives plan to upgrade the electric transmission network serving customers in western Fort Wayne.

The Leesburg-Covington Transmission Line Rebuild Project involves rebuilding about 6 miles of 69-kilovolt power line and upgrading Hadley Substation near the intersection of Bass Road and North Hadley Road.

The existing transmission line consists of deteriorating wooden poles from the 1960s that need to be replaced to better serve customers. The upgrades bring the power line up to modern structural standards, improve operational performance and reduce the need for frequent equipment repairs.

Plans call for rebuilding the power line in the existing right-of-way, although new or existing property easements may need to be acquired or updated to ensure the safe construction, operation and maintenance of the line.

Crews are expected to begin construction summer 2027 and conclude summer 2028.

Project Updates

October 2026: AEP Transmission representatives announced the Leesburg-Covington Transmission Line Rebuild Project in spring 2021. In 2025, the project team began reviewing and revising the schedule. Company representatives currently plan to begin construction in summer 2027 and conclude in summer 2028, with restoration activities continuing later that year, as weather permits.

As the project moves forward, AEP Transmission crews and contractors will begin tree clearing and installing access roads to prepare for construction. Starting the week of October 26, forestry crews will clear vegetation within the 60-foot easement to ensure safe construction, operation, and maintenance of the line. Tree clearing is expected to finish by spring 2027.

Landowners along the line route can expect to hear from Catherine M Nelson of Michiana Land Services (MLS), I&M’s right-of-way representative for this project, to discuss easement acquisition, field activities and next steps.