Baton Rouge neighborhoods getting metal utility poles built to handle strong windsBATON ROUGE - Entergy Louisiana is replacing wooden utility poles with steel ones across the Baton Rouge area as part of a broader effort to make the state's power grid more resilient. The new steel poles are designed to withstand winds of up to 140 miles an hour. The program is part of the company's $1.9 billion, five-year plan that includes $400 million earmarked for the Baton Rouge area alone. That investment is expected to cover upgrades to 730 miles of power lines and the replacement of 20,000 utility poles in the capital region. Some longtime Baton Rouge residents said they welcome the changes.