Staff Writer
WASHBURN — Maine Public Service Company line crews have been busy in Washburn recently, replacing aging poles with new ones.
MAINE PUBLIC SERVICE crews were in Washburn recently, replacing utility poles that dated back four decades or more and making other upgrades to better serve customers in the area. Here, a trio of linemen work to attach power lines to one of the new poles near White’s Service on Main Street.
Anyone traversing Main Street had an opportunity recently to see several workers using several bucket trucks to perform their tasks high overhead. Only minimal traffic delays resulted, with lines transferred from the old structures to the new in a matter of days.
Company officials said the replacements were necessary, given the nearly five decades of service the old poles had provided. In addition, aging wire is being also being upgraded.
“Maine Public Service is rebuilding approximately 3,000 feet of three-phase power line along Main Street in Washburn. There will also be some significant service work updating the old open three-wire system to more current triplex wire,” said Virginia Joles, senior communications specialist for MPS.
More than two dozen poles have been replaced.
“We are replacing approximately 26 poles and installing 3/0 AAAC conductor. The existing poles are 1950’s vintage,” said Joles.
Joles said the work was completed in June, with removal of the old poles expected to be handled in July.
“This upgrade will improve reliability and safety for the downtown area,” said Joles.
