American Transmission Co. projects

ATC to host pre-construction open house for final segment of Rockdale-West Middleton project

Construction work from Middleton to the Beltline/Verona Road interchange begins in June

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. is continuing a multi-year public outreach effort for the Rockdale-West Middleton Transmission Line Project with the last in a series of pre-construction open houses on Thursday, May 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Madison West, 1109 Fourier Drive, Madison.

Work on the 32-mile, 345-kilovolt electric transmission line project began in August 2011. Construction of the project is being completed in four segments (A through D). ATC representatives will be on hand to discuss construction activities for Construction Segment D, which runs approximately 6 miles along the Beltline from Verona Road to the Highway 14 exit, and then runs west for approximately 2.6 miles along Highway 14 to the Cardinal Substation, adjacent to the West Middleton Substation. Work on Construction Segment D will be conducted from west to east and is expected to conclude in winter 2013. The entire line has an anticipated in-service date of early 2013.

“Residents who may be affected by construction and members of the public are welcome to attend the pre-construction open house,” said Sarah Justus, ATC local relations manager. “These open houses provide an opportunity for people to learn what to expect in terms of equipment, timing, and appearance of facilities,” said Justus.

ATC first identified the need for the project in 2002. In 2003, the project need was independently reviewed by the Energy Initiative, a group of Wisconsin utilities, public advocacy organizations, environmental groups and local stakeholders. The group evaluated the need for new electric transmission lines and the feasibility of alternatives in meeting Dane County’s present and future electric needs.

After more than five years of public involvement and regulatory review, ATC received approval to construct the $219 million project from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in June 2009. The project is approved to be constructed between the towns of Christiana and Middleton along a route that generally follows the Beltline and existing rights-of-way.