Weather permitting this week, Ameren Missouri is planning to begin maintenance of 28 miles of the Labadie-Bland high-voltage electric transmission line using helicopters.

Maintenance work will be performed on approximately 28-miles of the on the 345-kV Labadie-Bland transmission line. The line is located within rural areas of Franklin and Gasconade counties near the communities of Washington, Union, Beaufort, Leslie, Gerald, Rosebud and Owensville.

The work includes the installation of smart grid technology and stringing new wire on structures. In an effort to minimize property damage and traffic congestion, Ameren Missouri will utilize a helicopter to assist with the maintenance work and upgrades on power lines. 

“Ameren Missouri is committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable energy to our communities. In order for us to continue meeting energy needs, we will be upgrading sections of the energy grid in your community,” according to a statement released Tuesday by Ameren Missouri officials. “We plan to begin work during the week of March 4. Prior to construction, you may notice contractor crews mobilizing and material being delivered to the work areas. Weather permitting, we expect to finish this project by June 1.”

The release went to note the crews will attempt to minimize damage to ground within the easement of the overhead lines.

“We assure you that Ameren Missouri and its contractors will make every effort to minimize the impact to property owners while performing this work,” utility officials said. “Although the reliability improvements are being performed under authority of an existing easement agreement, we have notified affected landowners and emergency management agencies of this necessary work. Thank you for your cooperation as our crews upgrade the grid to improve our region’s energy reliability.”

The line runs from the power plant at Labadie to the Bland substation located in a valley north of Owensville off of Highway 19 and south of Michel Road.