2nd Interconnect

High above the icy ridges of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Marquette Board of Light and Power set out to strengthen its growing electrical grid. The goal was simple but essential—create a second transmission interconnect structure across the Wisconsin border to ensure reliable power for decades to come.

Known as a state with harsh season changes, Michigan’s relentless weather patterns would cause infrastructure challenges due to corrosion. A powerful corrosion protection system would be required for this transmission structure while also blending seamlessly into its surrounding environment. Located along a busy stretch of highway and near neighboring gas stations with high traffic throughout the day, this project would also have visibility for those traveling through the Marquette, Michigan area. In the design phase of the project, weathered steel was initially considered. Though it may blend into the surrounding environment, its life-cycle would be greatly reduced to the wet winters and salts used on the roads. This decision would be costly when considering the amount of maintenance and time that would be required to keep the steel corrosion-free down the road. When considering other options, hot-dip galvanizing rose to the top due to its clean finish and unmatched corrosion resistance, promising a long service life with virtually zero maintenance decades down the road. It truly was the best of both worlds, beautiful aesthetics and powerful corrosion protection. This project was a collaborative effort between the galvanizer and fabricator. Coordination between these teams and the end-customer ensured on-time delivery of the large transmission pieces and a consistent, quality coating that covered every crack and crevice of the 294-ton project, 274-tons of that being galvanized. The large structure had to be galvanized in smaller pieces while also maintaining delivery schedules. This was achieved through a proprietary order tracking system provided by the galvanizer, fast turnaround times, and large kettle sizes to accommodate the size of the material. Durable, efficient, and built with precision, the 2nd Interconnect stands as a symbol of strength in steel but also in partnership. Embodied through the strength of galvanizing and the collaboration of all project members, the city of Marquette now has a power connection—and a story—that will bring power to surrounding communities nearly 100 years down the road.