Work begins on Zion Energy Center transmission line
News-Sun Staff report January 4, 2013 5:30PM
Updated: February 6, 2013 6:09AM
ZION — Construction is scheduled to begin later this month on a new 5.8-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission line from Pleasant Prairie, Wis., to the Zion Energy Center near Green Bay Road and Ninth Street.
American Transmission Co., received approval for the estimated $31 million project in May 2012 from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and the Illinois Commerce Commission.
The Pleasant Prairie-Zion Energy Center line establishes a high-voltage interstate connection between Wisconsin and Illinois. Company officials say the new line will relieve congestion on the existing transmission system in the area, allowing output from the most economic power plants in the region to supply electricity more of the time.
“We are pleased to begin construction on this project,” said Mary Carpenter, ATC spokeswoman. “We have been working on designing the line, developing construction access plans and obtaining the necessary easements and permits for construction.”
Building activity in January will include vegetation removal and laying construction mats in some areas. In February, crews will begin erecting steel poles and stringing wires beginning on the north end of the project in Pleasant Prairie and moving to south to the Zion Energy Center.
The line will largely follow the existing railroad right-of-way between the two end points. The project is anticipated to be completed and in service by August 2013.
