Woodpeckers Wreak Havoc On Gladstone Branch Poles: NJ Transit

GLADSTONE, NJ — Woody Woodpecker may have brought smiles and laughs to children with his antics. But no one is laughing now as woodpeckers have been found to be wrecking havoc on NJ Transit poles along the Gladstone Branch.

The wooden catenary (overhead wire) poles along the Gladstone Branch were found to be susceptible to other forces of nature, aside from severe weather, such as birds or woodpeckers, in particular, NJ TRANSIT said on its Facebook page.

NJ Transit released photos of some of the damage these birds can cause to the wooden poles, which are completely solid when constructed.

As a result, NJ Transit is in the process of replacing the wooden catenary poles along the Gladstone Branch with resilient steel poles between Gladstone and New Providence stations.

"These improvements will strengthen the catenary system along the line, making them impervious to damage by these pesky birds," NJ Transit said.

To date more than 300 wood poles have already been replaced and there are still about 400 more to go.

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