CENTRALIA, IL Customers living in and around Jefferson County will see Ameren Illinois’ Energy at Work initiative first hand this fall. Contractors working on behalf of the company will be upgrading more than 70 power pole structures and lightning protection shield wires, starting Sept. 29.

The $5.8 million project will follow a nearly 16-mile route from Ameren Illinois’ South Centralia Substation to its Mt. Vernon West Substation.  The project should be completed by early 2022.

Ameren Illinois is asking motorists driving along U.S. Highway 51 and other roadways in the area south and east of Centralia to be mindful of the trucks moving and employees working in the area and to slow down in the work zone.

“We need everyone’s help when it comes to work zone safety along this route and on every route where workers are present,” said Karen Boulanger, Director of Safety for Ameren Illinois. “The signs and cones create their protected work area. Please slow down as you drive on U.S. Highway 51 and the other roadways in the area and pay attention. Our co-workers want to return home safely at the end of the day.”

“The upgrades are part of our overall statewide plan to build a cleaner, greener, more resilient grid,” said Jason Klein, Director of Southern Region Electric Operations, Ameren Illinois. “With these enhancements, Ameren Illinois is taking proactive steps to prepare for the future needs of our electric customers. We’re excited to bring these enhancements to our customers in and around Jefferson County.”