PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Contractors hired by Central Maine Power are poised to start hiring construction workers as part of a $1.4 billion project to upgrade the company’s high-voltage transmission lines.

Officials say eventually the project is expected to create about 1,800 jobs.

On Monday, Central Maine Power awarded the first three construction contracts for the project worth a total of $524 million.

The plan is to install 500 miles of new and upgraded high-voltage lines, including a new 345,000-volt line from Orrington to Eliot and five power substations.

The Portland Press Herald says the three primary contractors are all from out of state, but they are expected to employ Maine subcontractors.

Construction is expected to last more than four years.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://stage.pressherald.com