Elected officials gathered on  Chestnut Hill Road in Norwalk on Tuesday to highlight progress double pole removals.

You might see double utility or power poles when a new pole is put next to an existing one.

Towns across the state – including Norwalk – have been selected to be part of a pilot program to remove double poles in need of repairs or complete transfers.

Officials say the removals are necessary for public safety.

“It’s just that, time goes by and you don’t realize how much time it has been since the pole has been compromised,” said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling. “They have to remove wires in a certain way….that’s all starting now and we’re really accelerating the process.”

Officials say 61% of transfers have been completed and 31% of removals have been made.