Two years ago, the Centerton to Wilbur Project was still in the planning stages. Now, it is closing in on the finish line of nearly six miles of new overhead transmission line connecting the Hoosier Energy Wilbur substation to the Duke Energy Centerton substation in Morgan County. It is one of multiple transmission projects on the agenda for Hoosier Energy now and into the foreseeable future.

This project has required Hoosier and its contractors to adapt along the way for a variety of reasons, both expected and unexpected. The rough terrain made adaptation a necessity from the get-go, as clearing and mulching vegetation began in February. That work was completed in June, although a storm shortly after the initial work was completed required additional cleanup, including work to clear the access paths. 

With multiple ravines, some approaching 100 feet deep, the location of each of the 62 new structures required unique access paths for crews. Chastain Excavating laid over 1,600 composite mats for the equipment during July and began setting the 70-foot riverbed foundations on Aug. 4. That was the same day that JDH Contracting started to set the pole structures.

However, another unexpected challenge came with the anchors used by the line crew. The rock turned out to be more brittle than expected. The solution was to use a 30-inch auger to drill down into the rock and set the anchor, then backfill the cavity with concrete to solidify the structure’s base.

Despite those challenges, the project remains on schedule to be energized by Dec. 15. The transmission lines being installed are 138kV-capable, but the lines will initially be energized at 69kV. The upgrade will happen later once other projects in the Mooresville area are completed over the next five years.