Gulf Power will be ringing in the New Year with new power poles in Destin.
Come Jan. 4, the power company will be replacing 29 wooden power poles in the Destin area with concrete poles.
Gulf Powers Communications Specialist Natalie Smith told The Log in an email that the replacement is part of Gulf Power’s comprehensive plan to “strengthen our system for storms and to enhance reliability.”
Wooden utility poles, according to the North American Wood Pole Council website, are commonly made from Southern Pine, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Lodgepole Pine, and Red Pine trees and can last as long as 40-50 years if properly maintained.
Concrete poles on the other hand, according to a material comparison by Protrusion International, Inc, have an average life expectancy of 45-50 years.
Work will begin at Matthew Boulevard and continue along the south side of U.S. Hwy. 98 to Regatta Bay Boulevard.
The project is expected to last about three to four months once started.
