Prior to 1971, round poles were the utility pole of choice in Omaha. That was the case until Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) collaborated with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and a local steel fabrication facility that had just installed a large brake press specifically for the purpose of manufacturing large steel sections of utility poles. The manufacturer wanted to test a new design for a steel octagon transmission pole. Time had shown that round painted utility poles did not hold up to Nebraska’s beautiful, but often harsh, season changes. Therefore, this newly designed trial pole was specified to be hot-dip galvanized to provide a cost-effective and high quality coating. This ensured the large structure would have long-lasting corrosion protection.

OPPD erected this 120-foot tall galvanized octagonal electric transmission pole in 1971. It was designed to handle 161 kilovolt conductor cables, plus one half inch of ice, and to withstand punishing winds of 40 pounds per square foot on the cables and pole. 

The pole has a vintage silhouette that is the only one of its kind in the area. And after almost five decades of service, it stands as strong today as when it was commissioned into service 48 years ago. This giant of the plains will faithfully continue to support Metro Omaha’s energy needs well into the future.

Hot-dip galvanizing plays a vital role in this longevity due to the metallurgical bond of the coating. Galvanized steel also requires little to no maintenance meaning contractors no longer need to scale these tall poles for touch-up and repair. Finally, the entire utility pole is 100% recyclable at the end of its service life making the structure an extremely sustainable choice.

The manufacturer is satisfied to know this pole played an important role in the evolution of utility pole design. And as a major player in the global utility market, the manufacturer agrees that hot-dip galvanizing was and continues to be the supreme choice for long lasting corrosion protection and service life of its steel transmission towers, as well as the many other metal products the company manufactures around the world.

OPPD was the first customer to purchase octagonal poles manufactured and galvanized from this location. As a result of this pole’s superior design legacy and proven corrosion protection, the utility industry as a whole now commonly uses 12 and 16 sided hot-dip galvanized utility poles as their standard.

A few years back, the late Dan Jackman stated, "This original test transmission pole has proven throughout the years that it has out-performed its round, painted predecessors by its continuous steady service, but more importantly by simply possessing a superior octagonal design fortified by the application of hot-dip galvanizing, it continues to serve its community."

Coating Thickness