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Transmission Line Repairs at Western/University

The underground exploratory work Seattle City Light started in late October at Western Avenue and University Street to evaluate a leak in an oil-encased power line has now become an emergency repair.

The underground exploratory work Seattle City Light started in late October at Western Avenue and University Street to evaluate a leak in an oil-encased power line has now become an emergency repair. No power outages are anticipated for this work, but traffic will be disrupted and there’s likely to be a lot of noise and mess for the next three to four weeks.

City Light crews started work Dec. 19 to replace a portion of a 115kV (115,000 volts) electrical transmission line that has been leaking non-toxic mineral oil. The transmission line has been de-energized but is a critical part of ensuring the reliability of City Light’s transmission system.

Traffic on Western Avenue and University Street will be restricted to one lane for much of the work, with flaggers in place. It is likely that all traffic will be blocked on one or two days, though not until after Christmas and, hopefully, after the New Year as well.

For more information, contact Mike Eagan at (206) 615-1691 or mike.eagan@seattle.gov.