South Bend - NilesTransmission Line Project

The South Bend-Niles Transmission Line Project involves updating a substation and about 12 miles of electric transmission line from Niles, Michigan to South Bend, Indiana.

The project Involves:

• Rebuilding about 4 miles of power line from FourFlag Substation, off South 3rd Street in Niles to the Indiana State Line, off Stateline Road.
• Rebuilding about 8 miles of power line from Stateline Road to South Bend Substation off Edison Road.
• Upgrading University Park Substation, off Indiana State Road 23.
• Upgrading Swanson Substation, off Hickory Road.

The project strengthens the local electric transmission system by replacing aging poles and wires from the 1960s with modern equipment. Upgrading the substation increases substation capacity to address growing demand for electricity in the community. Rebuilding the line improves operational performance, reducing the likelihood of extended power outages and enhances electric reliability for area customers.

Company officials expect construction to begin spring 2026 and conclude by late 2027.

Early 2025: OR Colan (ORC) serves as I&M’s right-of-way representative on this project. Landowners along the line route can expect to hear from an ORC right-of-way agent to discuss field activities, easement acquisition and construction.