May 21, 2026
As part of its ongoing commitment to infrastructure modernization, Starkville Utilities will begin a major pole replacement project along Louisville Street on June 1. The proactive upgrade targets a critical service corridor and is a direct result of the utility’s comprehensive, multi-year pole inspection program.
The project will focus on the stretch of Louisville Street between Greensboro Street and Highway 12. Crews will replace aging utility poles that were previously identified for upgrades to ensure the long-term safety, resilience and reliability of the local electric grid. Work is scheduled to run from June 1 through July 31.
Because Louisville Street is a heavily traveled corridor with limited roadside clearance, project managers strategically scheduled the work for the summer months to minimize impacts on school-related traffic.
“This project represents the transition from inspection to action,” said Edward Kemp, general manager of Starkville Utilities. “Over the past two years, we have systematically evaluated our infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities before they cause service issues. Replacing these aged poles on Louisville Street is a vital step in strengthening our system reliability for the families and businesses who depend on us.”
While electric service is not expected to be interrupted during the upgrades, drivers should anticipate temporary changes to traffic flow. Starkville Utilities has developed a comprehensive traffic control plan to keep both motorists and working crews safe.
The southbound lane of Louisville Street will be temporarily closed during specific weeks of the two-month project window. Clear signage and traffic control measures will be in place to guide motorists around the work zones. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, seek alternate routes when possible, and exercise extra caution when traveling through the area.
This infrastructure initiative stems from Starkville Utilities' citywide inspection program launched two years ago in partnership with Osmose Utilities Services, Inc.
The final phase of those proactive field audits, which concluded this spring, successfully inventoried and evaluated thousands of poles south of Highway 12 to identify necessary hardware and line upgrades.
“Our inspection data clearly showed which poles along this corridor were reaching the end of their service life,” said Jason Horner, electric system engineer for Starkville Utilities. “By proactively replacing them now, we are significantly hardening the local grid and reducing the risk of future, unplanned outages. It’s all about maintaining a resilient system that can handle everyday demands and severe weather alike.”
Starkville Utilities will provide routine updates on specific weekly lane closure schedules and project milestones on its official social media channels.
For more information regarding the Louisville Street pole replacement project or general utility operations, please visit starkvilleutilities.com or follow Starkville Utilities on social media.
Starkville Utilities is a municipally owned and operated electric and water utility, serving more than 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville as well as the state’s largest institution of higher learning, Mississippi State University.