La Plata Electric Association broke ground on the first phase of its project to replace about 1 mile of underground power lines that serve the Bodo Industrial Park area.

The Animas River Trail will be rerouted for cyclists and pedestrians north of the La Plata County Humane Society, ending at Baker Lane. The trail will remain open to traffic on weekends and legal holidays.

Reduction of line loss from the project will save LPEA 7,600 killowatt hours annually. Replacing the about 1-mile section of underground line will also support future growth in the Bodo Park area.

“LPEA designated more than $18 million in 2021 to conduct needed upgrades to our old electric distribution infrastructure,” said LPEA CEO Jessica Matlock. “This project will immediately reduce the risk of outages in the area and also support future development and growth in Bodo Park. We want to thank everyone for their patience with the detour while we complete this critical upgrade.”

Phase 1, focused on the line north of Baker Lane, will be completed by Dec. 31. Phase 2, focused on the line south of Baker Lane, will begin in 2022.

LPEA asks residents to take note of the detour, follow the signage and use extra caution in the project area.

njohnson@durangoherald.com