Magley - Decatur Transmission Line Rebuild Project

AEP Transmission representatives plan power grid updates to improve electric reliability for customers in Adams county.

The Magley-Decatur Transmission Line Rebuild Project involves rebuilding sections of a 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Magley and Decatur.

• Approximately 3 miles of 69-kV transmission line rebuild parallel to U.S. Route 224, between North 600 West and North 300 West.
• An additional 3 miles of 69-kV transmission line rebuild parallel to West 650 North, between North 300 West and Beal Drive.

The existing transmission line includes wooden poles and H-frame structures that date back more than half a century. Due to deterioration, the line has experienced several outages and is at an age where replacement is required. Rebuilding the power line with steel poles upgrades the aging equipment, reduces frequent maintenance and improves performance.

Company representatives plan to rebuild the power line in the existing right-of-way, which may require acquiring new or updating existing property easements. Easements are defined land rights that property owners grant the utility to allow for the safe construction, operation, and maintenance of the power line.

Crews are expected to begin construction in fall 2027, concluding in summer 2028.

October 2026: Contract Land Staff (CLS) represents I&M as the right-of-way agent on this project. Landowners can expect to hear from a CLS agent soon to discuss field activities, easement acquisition and next steps.

Company representatives are currently planning for construction to start fall 2027, concluding summer 2028, with restoration work continued into early 2029, as weather permits.