Drivers and pedestrians traveling along Main Street near Yost Park can expect closed sidewalks, brief traffic delays and numerous utility trucks this week, as Snohomish Public Utility District line crews change out the old power poles on the south side of the street.

“The poles on that stretch have been there since 1955,” said PUD spokesperson Neil Neroutsos. “A recent regular inspection found these poles showing signs of age and deterioration, so we’re replacing them.”

According to Neroutsos, the PUD inspects approximately 10,000 poles each year, and replaces about 900.

The current work involves setting new poles and switching over the electrical lines. To minimize power disruptions to customers, the highly skilled utility line crews work with fully energized lines.

Power poles support not only electrical lines, but those for phone and cable TV as well. After switching over the electrical lines, crews typically cut off the top of the power pole, leaving the lower section which still support the lines for these other services. After the other providers switch their lines over, PUD crews will return to completely remove the old pole.