CHAMPAIGN — Area residents will have a chance next week to learn more about a high-power transmission line that Ameren Illinois plans in southwest Champaign.

Ameren Illinois will host an open house on the 138,000-volt line from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1501 S. Neil St., C.

The power line could connect the Bondville Route 10 substation — near the intersection of Illinois 10 and Rising Road — with the Southwest Campus substation — near the southwest corner of the University of Illinois campus.

At the open house, advocates will explain why the project is needed and outline proposed routes. Those attending will be encouraged to provide input.

Ameren Illinois calls the open house "an informal event that will stress one-on-one conversations with various experts."

The project is also expected to include modifications to the substations to allow for interconnection.

The project website, http://www.citransmission.com, shows an Ameren Illinois preferred route, as well as alternative routes:

— The preferred route, shown in blue, runs south from the Bondville substation on the east side of Barker Road to a point a half-mile south of Curtis Road, then east to a point a quarter-mile west of Mattis Avenue, then north to Curtis Road, then east along Curtis to the east side of the Canadian National railroad tracks, then north to the Southwest Campus substation. Total length is 10.49 miles.

— An alternative route, shown in orange, runs south along the east side of Barker Road to County Road 1100 N, then diagonally southeast to a point southwest of the Interstate 57-Monticello Road interchange, then east to a point east of South First Street and north to the Southwest Campus substation. Total length is 15.1 miles.

The website says the projected completion date is June 1, 2015.

More information about the project is available by calling 800-229-9280 or visiting the project website. Those interested can sign up at the site for email project updates.