MidAmerican Energy is beginning work to install upgraded electrical transmission lines in the Lower Finkbine area of the University of Iowa campus. The project will begin in the parking lot west of Pearl Softball Field, cross the recreation trail south of Cretzmeyer Track, and continue eastward through university-owned property.

The project area lies within a utility easement granted to MidAmerican Energy in 1981, allowing the company to build and maintain infrastructure on university land. This work is part of a broader effort to improve the reliability of electrical service to UI Health Care and the west side of campus. The current utility poles are nearing the end of their service life, and upgrading them will help ensure more dependable service.

Some activities, including tree trimming and removals, may require temporary closures of portions of the recreation trail. Every effort is being made to preserve the surrounding landscape, including prairie remnants and mature trees, while completing the necessary work. MidAmerican will also lead the site restoration efforts once the project is complete.

An estimated completion date has not yet been determined. For more information, contact Brian Gibbs, MidAmerican Energy. (For UI-related questions, contact Ty Miller, UI Utilities.) 

A map indicating the impacted areas where MidAmerican utility work will be taking place on the west side of the University of Iowa campus.