Subcontractor Trueline no longer will handle the construction and installation of Bloomington’s high-speed fiber internet network.
The company, formerly known as Atlantic Engineering Group (AEG), filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. It was hired in 2022 by the city’s fiber partner Meridiam to handle the network’s physical infrastructure.
Mayor Kerry Thomson said issues with Trueline pre-date the bankruptcy filing.
“Probably the most profound safety issue that’s been experienced since I’ve been in office is that they hit a gas line,” Thomson said. “That did initiate an immediate stop work order.”
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Thomson also said Trueline hit other kinds of underground lines, in addition to damaging some properties during installation and never returning to clean up their work. The city estimates half of the network has been completed, meaning some business owners and residents are still not connected. The fiber network project was supposed to be finished by the end of this year, but now it’s on hold.
Thomson said the pause is necessary for Meridiam to address safety and quality concerns with existing lines.
“Of course, any interruption, any digging is going to be a challenge. But we want to be really respectful and put properties back the way we found them,” she said.
The city and Meridiam will attempt to use Trueline’s leftover bond funds to help pay for repairs.
Thomson said residents with concerns should contact the Office of the Mayor.
“This whole project was initiated for a noble cause, which is digital inclusion and equity,” she said. “Of course, in today’s world, if you don’t have access to internet, especially high-speed internet, you are being left behind. That remains a priority to complete this project, but we just want to make sure that we have safety top of mind.”