Franklin and Carlisle Pole Replacements

Reliability is a responsibility that Duke Energy takes very seriously. To help keep that commitment, we’re planning improvements to an existing 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line to help ensure the reliability of the area’s electric service.

Recent inspections uncovered the need to replace five wooden utility poles with steel pole construction to help support the reliability of the transmission line. Portions of this project will undergo a regulatory filing with the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB).

Transmission Line Proposal – Public Input Invited

The regulatory filing involves two poles along Baxter Drive and Clear Creek in Franklin, Ohio, that border the Baxter Trail parking area. These poles will be 10 to 15 feet taller than current construction to address modern clearance standards for the lower-powered distribution lines that are also on these poles. Additionally, the regulatory filing affects a pole located in road right of way around the 5900 block of Dixie Highway in Franklin. The wood utility pole will be replaced with steel and will be moved approximately 18 feet to the northeast, on the other side of a driveway, to avoid a fire hydrant.

Vegetation maintenance for this project, upon approval by the OPSB, will get underway in February 2025, followed by construction in March 2025. A notice to construct, operate and maintain this project under case number 24-988-EL-BNR is now pending before the OPSB. View the copy of the construction notice. A paper copy will be provided upon request. To obtain a paper copy, please call 888.827.5116.

The two other utility poles to be replaced with steel are located near the 5100 block of Dixie Highway in Franklin and adjacent to the railroad opposite Eagle Court in Carlisle, Ohio. The pole near the 5100 block of Dixie Highway will be about 6 feet taller.

The taller steel poles have an improved design for lightning protection and can withstand higher wind speeds than traditional wood pole construction, improving their resiliency. Furthermore, they’re not prone to insect or animal damage such as bird pecking. They last longer than wood poles, resulting in less maintenance, fewer inspections and fewer disturbances to neighborhoods.

Portions of this project may involve road restrictions and flaggers to assist traffic.