Xcel Energy has started construction on a 345-kilovolt transmission line between Texas and New Mexico to extend its electrical distribution system.

Formal groundbreaking ceremonies were scheduled near Hobbs, N.M., on the $400 million project to eventually connect to a substation north of Abernathy, Texas.

An Xcel statement said the first segment will involve a substation southeast of Carlsbad, N.M. The new transmission line should run about 240 mi. (386 km) and be in service by 2018.

A similar Xcel project was completed in 2014 connecting the Texas substation to a unit near Woodward, Okla. When all the segments are completed by 2020, the power line is expected to stretch more than 400 mi. (644 km) from western Oklahoma to southeastern New Mexico.

Today's top stories

Blalock Crews Build TDOT's $67M Newport Bypass

New Bridges Part of Iowa's $114M Madison Avenue Project

Eagle Bridge Co. Works On Final Leg of U.S. 35 Upgrade

SAKAI Achieves Record Sales, Production

Takeuchi Recognizes Top Dealers at 2024 Dealer Summit

Equip Expo's Summer Giveaway Offers a Chance for Lifetime Trade Show Registration, Gift Card, Hotel Stay

Tennessee's Pugmill Systems LLC Expands Its Product Offerings to Include Concrete Plants

ASCENDUM Machinery Opens New Savannah, Ga., Facility