Enbridge Ramps Up Construction on 41-Mile Line 5 Relocation

Enbridge is ramping up construction on its 41-mile Line 5 relocation project in Wisconsin as legal and permitting battles tied to the pipeline continue.

(P&GJ) — Enbridge said construction activity is increasing on its Line 5 Wisconsin Segment Relocation Project as the company advances work on a new 41-mile pipeline route around the Bad River Reservation in northern Wisconsin.

The project would reroute a section of the Line 5 crude oil pipeline through portions of Bayfield, Ashland and Iron counties. Enbridge said crews recently completed tree clearing activities along the relocation corridor and are preparing for additional construction work tied to the next phase of the project.

The relocation effort follows years of legal disputes and permitting reviews tied to pipeline easements on tribal lands within the Bad River Reservation. Enbridge said the project has undergone more than four years of environmental review by Wisconsin regulators, including examination by multiple state permitting programs.

According to the company, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued state permits for the relocation project in 2024 after reviewing environmental impacts and mitigation plans associated with construction activities. Federal permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were finalized earlier this year.

Enbridge said the relocation project remains subject to ongoing legal challenges from the Bad River Band and other groups. However, construction activities have continued following multiple court rulings allowing work to proceed while appeals remain pending.

At peak construction, the company said the project is expected to employ roughly 700 union workers. An economic impact study cited by Enbridge estimated the project could contribute approximately $135 million to Wisconsin’s economic output.