Olive - Reynolds 345 kVTransmission Line Rebuild

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan to upgrade the transmission system for customers across western Indiana through the Olive-Reynolds 345 kV Transmission Line Rebuild.

The project involves:

Rebuilding approximately 68 miles of 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Olive Substation off US Route 20 in New Carlisle and Reynolds Substation off N 25 E in Reynolds.
Relocating approximately 2 miles of transmission line between State Road 16 and E Monon Road, east of Monon.
Upgrading equipment at Olive Substation.

The proposed project improves operational performance of the power line by replacing aging infrastructure. The existing towers were built in the 1950s and no longer meet engineering and operational standards. Upgrading to modern steel structures will ensure reliable energy delivery to the community.

Project Updates

Spring 2026: Soil boring work begins March 23. These borings support engineering planning for construction. Company representatives notified affected landowners by mail and through one-on-one outreach. Landowners can expect this work to last a few weeks, depending on weather and other factors.

Crews use existing roads whenever possible to access soil‑boring locations, mark exact work areas with temporary stakes or ribbons, operate drill rigs to collect soil samples and backfill holes when the work is complete. All staff and contractors wear ID badges and safety gear and display identification on vehicle dashboards while working to minimize disturbance to landowners and their property.

O.R. Colan (ORC) serves as I&M’s right-of-way representative on this project. If you have any questions about upcoming activities, please contact Keith Westover with ORC at 612-669-3489 or kwestover@orcolan.com.