The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has approved EasyStreet Systems for the use of its direct-bury composite poles in clear zones.

Initial installations under this new classification are set to begin in April, with a Southeast-based neutral host provider deploying EasyStreet poles to support small cell network expansion. These deployments were made possible through collaboration with regional engineering teams and permitting experts to validate the safety and performance of the direct-bury design.

Many Departments of Transportation (DOTs) require poles installed in clear zones to have a “break-away” mechanism to enhance passenger safety in the event of a collision. Conventional break-away poles rely on flange-mounted bases secured by shear-pin break-away bolts. This can impose a 1,000 lb (454 kg) vertical weight limit. As a 20-foot steel pole itself can weigh 750-800 lbs, this restriction significantly limits pole size and the amount of equipment that can be attached.

Through testing and third-party validation, the company has demonstrated that its direct-bury composite poles exhibit a safe buckling failure mode when subjected to impact forces, mimicking the energy-absorbing characteristics of traditional break-away systems.

This approval allows carriers and contractors to install direct-bury composite poles in DOT clear zones, delivering cost savings, simplified installation, and expanded equipment-carrying capacity.

“This approval is a game-changer for infrastructure development in highway DOT clear zones,” said Peter Chase, CEO of EasyStreet Systems. “Our direct-bury composite poles provide an innovative and cost-effective solution that enhances safety while reducing installation complexity and expense. This decision paves the way for broader adoption across other DOTs nationwide.”

“EasyStreet’s direct-bury composite poles are saving us $8,000 to $10,000 per site by eliminating the need for heavy equipment and costly foundation work,” said Darryl Forster, Regional Manager – Permitting & Utilities for a major US network infrastructure provider. “This approval allows us to streamline deployment, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency in expanding our network infrastructure. Our work with local engineering and deployment teams demonstrates how this solution can benefit DOTs nationwide by providing a safer, more cost-effective alternative for clear zone installations.”