Oak Ridge North approves underground power lines for Plaza District

Entergy will move forward with placing electrical services in the city of Oak Ridge North’s proposed Plaza District underground following City Council approval at the council’s Oct. 24 meeting.

The Plaza District construction is part of the ongoing Robinson Road project. The project includes the widening of the road along with the construction of a distinct downtown area and commercial development.

City officials said, depending on how quickly Entergy decides to move, it could take anywhere from three to six months for the work to begin, and construction time could last from two to five months. A representative for Entergy said at the meeting he anticipates the construction to finish at the shorter end of that timeframe.

The project is estimated to cost the city around $313,000.

Keeping power lines underground will make the district more walkable, accessible and aesthetically pleasing, Public Works Director James Corn said.

“Obviously, aesthetically, this is the route we want to go,” Mayor Paul Bond said. “We do have the budget in place to accommodate this, right—and it shouldn’t be too much of an impact?”

City Manager Heather Neeley said the estimate is more than the first probable cost the city received three years ago, but the city has the budget for it.

The motion to approve the proposal passed unanimously. The next City Council meeting will be held Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.