Power Pole Project Moving On

The existing power pole at the
drawbridge will soon be replaced
(NBPL Photo)

Drivers on US 1 in North Palm have no doubt watched the steady progress of the power pole replacement project, which goes through the end of the month. Workers have reached the Country Club and are preparing to tackle the poles on either side of the drawbridge.

We noted to one of the workers, the pole on the south end of the drawbridge looked new.

"Yes," he said, "it's only about a year old. The problem with it is that it's too short -- by about 15 feet."

He said the new poles going in weigh about 75,000 pounds, vs. the 42,000 for the old poles, and are built to withstand 200 MPH winds. Hoisting and placing them in position requires a special crane, and some amazing teamwork.

Let's hope during this hurricane season Mother Nature doesn't test that wind rating.

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