Nov. 14--A controversial high-voltage transmission line proposed for Northeast Pennsylvania is inching closer to reality.

An administrative law judge on Friday recommended the state Public Utility Commission grant a PPL Electric Utilities application to construct its portion of the $1.2 billion Susquehanna-Roseland line, a decision that keeps the project on track for possible final approval in January.

"It's another important step in the process, but there are several steps still to go," PPL spokesman Paul Wirth said of the recommendation by Administrative Law Judge Susan D. Colwell.

In her 309-page decision, which followed a series of public input and evidentiary hearings since March, Judge Colwell concluded the construction of the 500-kilovolt line is "necessary and proper" and recommended the PUC approve PPL's application.

PPL's 101-mile, $510 million portion of the line would carry electricity from the utility's Susquehanna substation near Berwick to the Delaware River near Bushkill, where it would meet a 45-mile line Public Service Electric & Gas Co. plans to construct from Roseland, N.J.

The line would run north past Wilkes-Barre and Scranton before turning east to the Hawley area. From there, it would swing southeast to Bushkill. PPL selected the route, which follows the path of an existing 230-kilovolt line for most of its length, over two alternatives.

PPL and PSE&G contend the line is necessary to prevent overloads and potential blackouts on the regional power grid, beginning as early 2013.

But opponents have questioned the need for the project, arguing it will be used to export power to the New York and New Jersey markets, and decried the aesthetic impact of the transmission towers. PPL has said the new towers will average 175 feet in height, more than twice as tall as the existing ones.

PPL's application is expected to come before the PUC in Harrisburg for a vote in January. Spokeswoman Jennifer Kocher said the commissioners could accept, reject or modify Judge Colwell's decision.

Parties in the case have until Dec. 3 to file exceptions to the judge's decision and until Dec. 14 to file replies to those exceptions.

Much of the organized opposition to the line has come from residents of Saw Creek Estates in Pike County's Lehman Twp. The line would slice through the heart of the 3,000-home development.