For Immediate Release:  Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Contact:  Kristi Sandal, Public Information Officer, 605-773-3265

Terry Woster, Public Safety Public Information Officer, 605-773-3231 

Helicopter Work on Power Lines in Sioux Falls Vicinity 

Sioux Falls, S.D. - The South Dakota departments of Transportation and Public Safety advise motorists that Xcel Energy will be using helicopters for repair work on power lines along Interstate 90, east of Sioux Falls, beginning on Thursday (Feb. 9). 

Work will take place on transmission lines from just east of Sioux Falls, near interstate Exit 402, to Lakefield, Minnesota, east of Worthington. 

Motorists in that area can expect to see a helicopter flying close to the power lines each day for about two and one-half weeks. The helicopter will assist the company’s construction crews as they replace existing shield wire with fiber optic wire. 

Traffic flow will not be disrupted, but motorists are asked to drive carefully and keep their eyes on the road. Those people who want to watch the construction work should park in a safe location off Interstate 90. It is illegal to park on the shoulder of any state highway, except in the case of an emergency. 

For more information, contact Xcel Energy at 1-800-238-7968 or the South Dakota Highway Patrol in Sioux Falls at 367-5700. 

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