Buchanan - BridgmanTransmission Line Project

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan power grid upgrades to improve electric reliability for customers from Buchanan to Bridgman.

The Buchanan-Bridgman Transmission Project involves:

• Building Bucktown Substation off Skyline Drive.
• Building about 3 miles of transmission line from a structure near Broceus School Road to Buchanan South Substation off Railroad Street.
• Rebuilding about 2 miles of transmission line from Buchanan South Substation to Jack Post Substation off East 3rd Street.
• Rebuilding about 15 miles of transmission line from Bridgman Substation off Red Arrow Highway to an existing structure near Broceus School Road and Andrews Road.
• Retiring about 2 miles of transmission line between the existing structure near Broceus Road and an existing structure off East 3rd Street.

The 70-year-old transmission line consists of aging wooden poles that require updating. The project strengthens the local power grid by reducing the need for frequent maintenance and improving the line’s operational performance. The new substation provides an additional power source to support the area's growing demand for electricity.

Retiring the existing 2-mile line involves removing transmission wires and tops of poles. Lower-voltage distribution wires, third-party utilities and associated poles may remain.

Company officials expect construction to begin early 2026 and conclude early 2027.

July 2023: Indiana Michigan Power representatives determined the new power line route after reviewing input provided by landowners and community members during the virtual open house and in person open houses in December.

September 2022: I&M representatives invite the community to attend an in-person open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, at the Lehman's Orchard located at 204 Red Bud Trail N, Buchanan, MI 49107. You can view detailed maps and talk with team members about the project. There is no formal presentation, so you can arrive at any time during the event.

I&M team members plan to provide masks and hand sanitizer at the event. Those who are experiencing fever, cough, body aches or other flu or COVID-19 symptoms are asked to stay home.

Community members who are unable to attend the in-person event can visit the virtual open house online at IndianaMichiganPower.com/Buchanan-Bridgman to access information, view an interactive map, and submit comments through the website.