Miss. City Motorists Knock New Light Poles Out

Four of Natchez’ designer light poles have been knocked over by motorists.

The problem is beginning to cost the City of Natchez money it doesn’t have.

A fourth aesthetically pleasing light pole in about a year was knocked down over the weekend. It could cost taxpayers $6,000.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation installed the light poles along John R. Junkin and Seargent S. Prentiss drives, but replacing them is up to the city.

Natchez City Engineer David Gardner tells the Natchez Democrat that of the four poles damaged, one was replaced by insurance and another at the city’s expense because the driver had no insurance. He says he is awaiting insurance money for the third pole and has not had time to review the latest incident.

“I’m not going take away from the fact that I like the lights and they are beautiful, but the reality is that they’re going to be expensive to maintain,” he said.

Gardner said not budgeting for the maintenance and replacement of the light poles is not an option.

“It will have to be budgeted for, it is something we agreed to do,” he said.

Gardner also said the city will have to hire someone to replace the poles because the city’s bucket truck cannot pick up the poles.

Gardner said by the time project is completed, there will be several hundred light poles installed along John R. Junkin Drive, Seargent S. Prentiss Drive and a portion of U.S. Highway 61 North.