It’s out with the old and in with the new for 27 miles of electric transmission lines between substations in Adams and Bolan, Iowa.

ITC Midwest, owner-operator of many of the region’s high-voltage lines, has begun rebuilding the line to serve area wind farms.

The rebuilding of the existing lines will include replacing the wooden poles with steel versions from east of Adams to Bolan.

“The project is part of our continued commitment to invest in the electric transmission grid to enhance electric reliability for the region, and to support the connection of renewable resources to the grid,” said Doug Collins, ITC Midwest executive director. “As we continue to see demand for the renewable resources available in Minnesota and Iowa, our teams are busy keeping up with that demand.”

The project will upgrade the line to permit it to transport more energy, improve reliability and strengthen anticipated future growth in the area.

Tom Peterson, ITC Midwest director of communications, and Keith Eyler, account representative in Albert Lea, said Friday the 27-mile project will cost $20 million.

The upgrades began May 18 and are slated for completion in February.