Federal Approval Clears Way for Construction on Enbridge's Line 5 Reroute in Wisconsin

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a final permit for Enbridge’s 41-mile Line 5 relocation in Wisconsin, allowing construction to begin on the reroute around the Bad River Reservation.

(P&GJ) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a finalized permit allowing construction to proceed on Enbridge’s Line 5 Wisconsin Segment Relocation Project, clearing the final major federal hurdle for the long-debated pipeline reroute.

Construction on the 41-mile relocation segment began immediately following permit issuance.

The project will reroute Line 5 around the Bad River Reservation in northern Wisconsin. Enbridge first submitted applications to state and federal regulators in early 2020.

Wisconsin state permits were granted in 2024 after the Department of Natural Resources determined construction impacts would be temporary and localized, with no measurable effect on water quality or violation of standards. Those permits were upheld earlier this month following a contested case review.

The relocation will be constructed by Wisconsin-based contractors and a union workforce, with more than 700 construction jobs expected during the build phase. The project is also projected to generate millions of dollars in construction-related spending across Ashland, Bayfield and Iron counties.

Line 5 supplies crude oil and natural gas liquids to 10 refineries and propane facilities across the Midwest and Great Lakes region, serving millions of end users.