American Transmission Co. on June 21 placed in service the 18-mile, 69,000-volt Brodhead-South Monroe electric transmission line that connects the Brodhead Substation south of Brodhead and the South Monroe Substation in Monroe.

Construction activities for the approximately $11M project began in summer 2011 and were completed in spring 2012. Increased electric demand and the age and condition of the line, which was built in 1950, necessitated the rebuild.

"Work involved installing new poles, wires and insulators," said Jim Maple, ATC project manager. "Whi|e the rebuilt line followed an existing transmission line route, a new design allowed us to use longer span lengths and fewer poIes."

"We’d like to thank area residents and public officials who worked with us while we improved electric reliability in the area," said Charles Gonzales, ATC senior local relations representative.