Putnam County is essentially the midpoint split of the two construction spreads
(UCBJ) – Across Putnam County, heavy machinery is digging into the earth. Construction crews communicate, and the creation of a pipeline is in full term.
The pipeline in question is the 122-mile, 30-inch Ridgeline Expansion Project (REP), a natural gas pipeline being built across the Upper Cumberland to supply TVA’s new Kingston Energy Complex. The project, approved in 2025 after several years of federal review, is vast, passing through eight counties, including Putnam, Trousdale, Smith, Jackson, Overton, Fentress, Morgan and Roane. Its path places the Upper Cumberland in the crosshairs of the state’s largest current energy infrastructure projects.
Putnam County is essentially the midpoint split of the two construction spreads, with REP being constructed in two segments and expected to be completed in 2027. Contractor Michels Corporation (MC), a national pipeline builder with significant experience in the oil and gas industry, was awarded a contract from TC Energy Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (TC Energy) to construct the pipeline. The company says the project and its product will put hundreds of Americans to work.
The goal? To support TVA’s shift from coal to natural gas. The pipeline is required to feed the Kingston plant.
Beginnings – Officials have not publicly released a total cost for the pipeline.
“As a family-owned and operated US-based company, Michels supports local economic growth,” said Pat Michels, president and CEO of MC. “Construction of these Keystone XL Pipeline facilities will help support families and communities … , which is more important than ever during uncertain times. In the long run, this project will provide the energy our country needs; during construction, it will allow us to provide a steady paycheck to hardworking people and their families.”
During peak construction, MC will employ more than 350 people.
“Michels is pleased to bring our absolute commitment to safety and quality to Keystone XL,” said Michels in a release. “The facility stations will be built to the highest standards.”
The total cost of the pipeline has not been publicly disclosed; similar projects typically run in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Though officials have not publicly released a total cost for the pipeline portion of the project, some estimates show $3 million to $8 million a mile.
The price could reach $350 million to $1 billion.
“We are proud to partner with Michels, a company that shares our values of safety and quality and our commitment to building the safest pipeline ever built, to the highest standards,” said Richard Prior, president of Keystone XL. “We are also eager to create jobs and fulfill our promise of putting thousands of Americans to work on Keystone XL.”
MC uses a combination of trenching and pipe laying with “horizontal directional drilling under rivers/roads.” According to the company, the process is designed to “minimize disruption in sensitive areas.”
Michels is a family-owned and operated US-based company.
Who is Michels?
The corporation was founded in Wisconsin in 1959 and currently has around 8,000 employees. It is known for its trenchless tech (horizontal directional drilling, river crossings, etc.), but it is not the owner of the pipeline; it is the builder.
Project Timeline
Planning Phase
• 2021: TVA files notice of intent for new gas plant and pipeline
• 2023: Enbridge begins federal permitting (FERC)
Approval / Start
• Oct. 7, 2025: Federal notice to proceed issued
• Oct. 20, 2025: Pre-construction began
• Nov. 1, 2025: Construction began (Roane-to-Putnam segment)
• Dec. 1, 2025: Second spread begins (Putnam-to-Trousdale)
Current situation
- Dirt is being moved, and construction is moving along in Putnam County.
Completion
- Expected: Spring 2027
Check back for more updates.
UCBJ photos.
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