The rocket scientists at NC DOT still cannot keep the streetlights on along 277 in Uptown, WCCB notes. This will — of course — cost taxpayers even more money.

I have no clue why the state resists free-standing solar-powered lights other jurisdictions routinely install. We were told about greater initial upfront costs and not as many lumens, but if thieves are chronically stealing the copper from the hardwired lights for damn years dark-is-dark, what do you have to lose?

Besides a make-work jobs, I mean.