The 62-mile first phase of the double-circuit 345 kV line will extend 62 miles from the new Bauer substation in Tuscola Township, southwestern Tuscola County, to the new Rapson substation in Huron County, east of Bad Axe in Sigel township in the state’s Thumb region.
Scope of work includes drilling pole foundations, installation of steel monopole and lattice structures, and string conductors between the two substations.
ITC noted that it has worked with landowners along the route to negotiate easement agreements and establish access points for equipment and materials along the 200-foot-wide transmission corridor.
The Thumb Loop project entails the construction of 140 miles of double-circuit 345 kV transmission lines and four new substations.
The project is expected to meet the identified maximum wind energy potential of the Thumb region and will support a maximum capacity of about 5,000 MW.
The project will be constructed in stages, with the first segment, the western side of the loop from Tuscola County to Huron County, scheduled to start construction in April this year and finish by the end of 2013 with the remainder scheduled for completion by 2015.
