Successful collaboration

Hoosier Energy’s Bear Run Mine project finishes ahead of schedule due to effective teamwork

Combine

With another busy year underway at Hoosier Energy, it’s worth looking back at one of 2024’s most significant projects.

Bear Run Mine in Sullivan County is the biggest surface mine in the eastern United States. When the mine was ready to move west early last year, it was a big task for Hoosier Energy to move a 69 kV transmission line out of the way.

Originally built in April 1969, the transmission line saw 1.8 miles of wood poles replaced by over 2 miles of steel poles using 477 conductor line over five weeks.

It was a team effort from the start, beginning with Environmental Team Lead Dave Appel and Environmental Specialist Tommy Harrison, ensuring all reporting and compliance requirements were met.

Mick Ruhe served as the construction liaison and teamed with Construction Manager Alan Summers to work closely with contractor Hydaker Wheatlake on the project.

“I was there almost every day, just checking on the guys and making sure they had what they needed,” Ruhe said. “If they had a question, I got them an answer, and they kept going.” 

The key to getting the project done ahead of schedule was the creativity of Senior Transmission Line Design Engineer Luke McKinnley, who utilized a RUS Davit arm standard to work around parts that would not have been available for another quarter.

Holes were drilled ahead of time, then the poles and materials were staged at each location. Crews were able to show up and start putting them in the ground.

Area Line Coordinator Brett Stephens and his group ensured the line was safe to work on, so safety remained a top priority.

In the end, it was as efficient a job as possible.

“The teamwork was great,” Senior Project Manager Kyle Eslinger said. “When you have a plan and a great team that can execute it, it makes my job very rewarding.”

Power lines