Duke Energy Performs I-65 Repairs Near Columbus

Utility crews conducted rolling traffic stops between Columbus and Walesboro to fix a damaged pole and transmission line.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Utilities

Isometric editorial illustration of a solitary utility pole standing next to an asphalt highway, representing regional infrastructure maintenance. — Duke Energy workers completed essential repairs to a damaged utility pole and transmission lines along a section of Interstate 65 near Columbus. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you accept temporary traffic delays when they are necessary for essential road or utility maintenance?

Duke Energy carried out essential utility repairs on Interstate 65 after a vehicle collision damaged a pole last month. The project necessitated four rolling traffic stoppages between the State Road 46 and State Road 58 exits.

Why it matters

The maintenance was required to restore a transmission line to service following a vehicle strike that compromised a utility pole. Rolling closures allowed crews to perform the work safely while managing traffic flow on a major regional corridor.

Crews executed four rolling stoppages, each lasting 20 minutes, on Interstate 65 between the State Road 46 exit 68 and the State Road 58 exit 64. These measures were necessary to restore the transmission line back into service.

The players

Duke Energy

This electric power holding company provides energy services to millions of customers across several U.S. states.

The details

Utility crews successfully replaced the damaged pole and returned the transmission line to service during overnight operations. The intermittent closures were utilized to minimize long-term traffic disruption while workers occupied the interstate roadway.

September 2026: A vehicle struck the utility pole.
October 24, 2026, 11:00 PM: Rolling traffic stops began on the interstate.
October 25, 2026, 6:00 AM: Rolling traffic stops concluded.

Market Landscape

This utility maintenance project reflects a standard industry approach to managing critical infrastructure updates within active transit corridors. By coordinating with transportation authorities, the company minimizes the operational footprint of necessary repairs in a competitive service environment.

Drivers who utilize Interstate 65 between Columbus and Walesboro will no longer face intermittent 20-minute traffic holds for this specific project. Customers of the utility should see no change to their current service reliability or billing rates as a result of these repairs.

The takeaway

Drivers are reminded that damaged utility poles near transit corridors can lead to planned overnight disruptions as energy companies restore essential infrastructure. Always check local transit updates before traveling late at night to avoid unexpected delays from emergency maintenance.