What the Heck Are Those Wooden Poles Around Town?

Don't worry, Cinnaminson. The wooden poles, some shaped like football goal posts, that have gone up in the last couple months around town are just temporary.

They are part of a PSE&G project in Camden and Burlington counties' towns, including Cinnaminson, according to the project director for communications and outreach with the energy company.

John Margaritis said PSE&G are upgrading power lines and new wires will be pulled across existing power line towers, called pylons. The temporary wooden structures are called rider poles.

"It's a safety precaution," Margaritis said. "We put up rider poles over every crossway and parkway. In case a wire drops, it will never hit a roadway. These poles will keep it above the ground."

The rider poles are most visible in Cinnaminson on Church Road at the Lenola Road intersection, in the field off Hope Lane, and on Riverton Road, near Meetinghouse Road and Dr. Botis' dentist office.

The need for more wires was identified through PJM, a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity, Margaritis said.

"They look at voltages and trends throughout their region and identify areas going five to 10 years out where the capacity is not high enough for the trending use," Margaritis said. 

A voltage problem was identified in our area—and others—that would arise in 2016. 

"So, we're doing the upgrade now," Margaritis said. 

The wires should be completed within the next six months, at which time the temporary rider poles will be removed.