The area that was once covered with limestone rocks has now been restored to its natural state. Many farmers have planted crops in the area once it has been restored. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

MERRILLVILLE — Crews have completed work in Kosciusko County on the 100-mile electric transmission line going from Reynolds to Burr Oak to Topeka. The transmission line is owned by Northern Indiana Public Service Co.

The project began in 2012 and now connects substations in White, Marshall and LaGrange counties. The six-year project strengthened Indiana’s electric system and provides improved access to wind and solar renewable energy services.

Crews began right of way work in the area in the fall of 2016. Construction of the Monopoles began in the northern area of the county in mid to late August 2017, reaching the Milford area in late October, early November 2017.Crews recently completed the restoration work on area right of ways, many of which are through area farm fields.

NIPSCO says the 345-kilovolt line will enhance system reliability, increase access to wind and solar energy, and improve access to lower-cost electricity for customers.

The project is one of two priority Multi-Value Projects identified by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator Inc., which controls and operates the transmission grid for Indiana and other states in the Midwest. The other, a 765-kV line connecting the Greentown station near Kokomo to the Reynolds station in White County, was also recently completed.

Both projects cost a combined total of $600 million.