Along Highland Park Way SW between SW Holden Street and West Marginal Way SW, rows of stakes on the south side of the hill are marking preliminary locations for new lighting.

SDOT says the stakes are part of the Highland Park Way Connection project. The new light poles are planned to create steadier lighting, better visibility, and safer conditions for people walking, biking, and driving.

The staking does not mean construction is starting immediately. SDOT describes it as a standard pre-construction step taken before the construction phase begins.

The next major step is selecting a contractor. The city bidding website shows six bids were received by last week's deadline, ranging from $1.4 million to $1.7 million.