Ameren Illinois is investing approximately $700,000 in electric infrastructure upgrades to improve the reliability and performance of its energy delivery system in Fayette and Shelby counties.
Ameren will rebuild and re-route 2.1 miles of distribution power lines and utility poles from Ramsey to Herrick to better meet the energy needs of its residential and business customers, while accommodating expected increases in demand.
The existing lines run along an old abandoned railroad easement with many trees growing around the lines. Several creeks in the area have become deeper, cutting off access to three areas along the easement. Ameren plans to re-route the lines east out of Ramsey along County Highway 24 and then north on County Highway 20. Roughly three-quarters of a mile of the lines along Highway 20 will be placed underground.
The new route should shorten potential outage times for the two communities because Ameren Illinois line workers will be able to easily access the lines from the road.
The project is expected to be completed this fall.
