A doublewood utility pole in Sanford Photo: City of Sanford
By Matthew Hill, Director of Sanford Public Works & City Engineer
Have you ever noticed an old utility pole still lingering while a new one is already in place?
Under the traditional process for installing a new utility pole and transferring overhead utilities, each company – electric, telecommunications, cable, and others – must move its own lines individually from the old pole to the new one. This staggered approach often leads to delays, as coordinating schedules across multiple agencies can be challenging.
In Sanford, the issue has been further complicated by an outdated municipal fire alarm system that once relied on pole-mounted infrastructure. Over time, the system was abandoned, leaving behind wires and equipment that other providers were hesitant to handle due to liability concerns.
In 2019, the city repurposed this space on utility poles by installing a municipal fiber-optic network (SanfordNET) to support economic development and improve internet access. In 2020, the city also acquired its streetlight system and converted it to LED. As a result, Sanford became a more active stakeholder, with a presence on utility poles in multiple capacities.
Now the Sanford Public Works Department has implemented a “One Touch Make Ready” (OTMR) program, a strategy used in other parts of the country but not yet widely adopted in Maine. Under OTMR, a single qualified contractor performs all necessary utility transfers in one coordinated effort, eliminating the need for multiple site visits by moving all lines at once, removing the old pole, and preparing the site for final restoration. Each utility or other owner pays a proportional share of the cost.
Portion of a double wood pole in Springvale. Photo: Terrence McCarthy
The OTMR pilot project launched in December 2025 along Route 109 (Main Street), between Cottage Street (Route 202) and Bridge Street (Route 224) in Springvale, focusing on 21 partially completed pole transfers.
To bring the concept to life, Sanford Public Works formed key partnerships with Central Maine Power (CMP), On-Target Utility Services and CATV (regional contractors with established relationships across multiple utility providers), and all other pole tenants.
This stakeholder group, led by Public Works, was instrumental in the success of the initiative. Following completion of the pilot program, the city has identified a second phase of work to begin review this year.
As Sanford prepares for continued revitalization, city leaders are optimistic that the OTMR model will continue to deliver results and inspire similar efforts elsewhere, as demonstrated by the numerous inquiries Public Works has received from other municipalities seeking solutions to similar challenges.
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