Duke Energy begins next phase of construction on new Bloomington power transmission lines
Duke Energy will soon begin phases two and three of the Bloomington Rogers Street – 11th Street – Dunn Street Reliability Project, which aims to enhance the company’s ability to provide safe and reliable energy to homes, businesses and other community facilities in the Bloomington area.
Crews will begin constructing approximately 2 miles of new power transmission line between the Rogers Street Substation at 1604 South Rogers Street and the 11th Street Substation at the corner of West 11th and North Rogers Streets. Crews will then begin constructing approximately 1 mile of new transmission line from the Dunn Street Substation, at the corner of Dunn Street and East 13th Street, to an existing transmission line at the corner of North Jackson Street and West 17th Street.
Preconstruction activities, such as survey and staking the project area and performing vegetation management, will begin this month. Qualified tree personnel are inspecting and clearing vegetation along the route. These practices are approved by internationally recognized tree care associations. The easement must be clear of vegetation to allow for safe access during construction and safe operation of the line once energized.
Impacted property owners have been notified by mail and Duke Energy has attempted door-to-door contacts as well. A large part of the tree trimming and removal work will be conducted in city right-of-way, and Duke Energy has been working in partnership with local officials on work that will take place on municipal property.
At times while work is underway, a lane of traffic or pedestrian path may be temporarily closed for crews to safely perform the work.
“This important work is part of a smart, multilayered energy grid improvement strategy to help improve electric reliability and resiliency and strengthen the electric grid against severe weather and other impacts,” said Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Manager Liz Irwin.
“We remain committed to engaging with local residents and elected officials and keeping them informed about this project as we work to support the growth and development underway in Bloomington. Making the right investments today means that the energy grid customers and their families depend on will be better, more reliable, and more responsive in the future,” Irwin added.
The Bloomington Rogers Street – 11th Street – Dunn Street Reliability Project began in 2016 with an informational open house about construction of the 11th Street Substation. In 2017, Duke Energy hosted another informational open house and public comment period to gather vital input used in evaluating and selecting transmission line routes for the new transmission lines that are part of this project. Construction is taking place in three phases. Phase 1, which involved building the new 11th Street Substation and transmission line along North Rogers Street, is complete. Phases 2 and 3 will begin this year and continue through early 2024.
Residents who have questions about the project can visit www.duke-energy.com/Rogers-Dunn-Line,. For more information about Duke Energy’s vegetation management program and policies, visit www.duke-energy.com/Trees.
Sue Sgambelluri Launches City Council Reelection Campaign
-press release issued by Sue Sgambelluri
Bloomington City Council Representative Sue Sgambelluri has announced her bid for reelection to Bloomington’s 2nd District
“These are truly exceptional days for Bloomington,” Sgambelluri stated. “We’ve seen remarkable growth and we are known regionally and nationally for our quality of life. Our challenge is to ensure our long term resilience and sustainability.”
Sgambelluri’s professional roles and her volunteer service have required collaborations with both the public and the private sector. She has served the struggling and vulnerable members of the community through the Jack Hopkins Social Service Grant Committee and the CDBG Citizen’s Advisory Committee, and she has worked directly on economic development and the creation of a vibrant, sustainable economy in Bloomington during her time in office and her years on Bloomington’s Redevelopment Commission.
“As councilmembers, we have an obligation to make data-informed decisions that support our social, economic and environmental wellbeing and that help everyone benefit from our success,” said Sgambelluri.
A native Hoosier, Sgambelluri has lived in Bloomington and Monroe County since 1994 and has a long history of community service and leadership. Habitat for Humanity, Bloomington Rotary, the Monroe County History Center, First United Methodist Church, TEDxBloomington, the Monroe County Democratic Party, and other organizations have counted on her as a volunteer and leader.
“With the 2022 redistricting process, District 2 now welcomes Maple Heights, the Near West Side, and many other neighborhoods,” Sgambelluri said. “It is a pleasure – and a great privilege – to represent my neighbors on Bloomington’s northwest side, and I would be honored to serve a second term on their behalf.”
Details of her qualifications and platform can be found on her campaign website at www.SueForCityCouncil.com.
2023 state park passes and permits now available
The 2023 Indiana state park passes, lake permits, off-road cycling permits, and horse tags are now available at property offices and front gates, and online. A resident annual entrance pass costs $50. A nonresident annual entrance pass costs $70. Golden Hoosier Passports cost $25 and are available to Indiana residents 65 and older.
This Week in Hoosier History
1900 – Service began on an Interurban line from Indianapolis to Greenwood to Franklin and back. Riders could purchase six tickets for 25 cents. By 1910 every city within a 120-mile radius of Indianapolis could be reached by electric Interurban cars.
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