Central Waterfront Transmission Line Relocation Project
Transmission Line Home
Updated: May 11, 2012
Today, transmission lines that power Seattle and the western seaboard are mounted to the seismically-vulnerable Alaskan Way Viaduct. In advance of viaduct demolition, Seattle City Light will replace a section of these 115 kV utility lines to a permanent location underground. These new lines will be placed near the existing Alaskan Way Viaduct, from Yesler Way to the Union Street substation (at Union Street and Western Avenue).
Restoration work, pulling cable continues
Crews are two weeks away from having all restoration activities complete. Next week, restoration work will continue at the intersection of University Street and Western Avenue. Crews working to restore the roadway will work Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
In addition, crews are continuing to pull cable through the newly installed conduit. "Pulling cable" generally requires one or two vehicles at each vault location. This activity is likely to continue one to three weeks beyond restoration completion as the new facilities are readied to be activated, in concert with work at Union Street Substation. Crews pulling cable will work Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here is a geographic snapshot of the anticipated activities through the week of May 14:
- Between Yesler Way and Columbia Street: Access to the bicycle path in this block is restricted as crews pull cable at the vault.
- Between Spring and Seneca streets: Some parking is restricted on the northern end of this block as crews pull cable at the vault. Note: All parking will be available on Mother's Day.
- Between Seneca and University streets: Crews have completed pavement restoration, and parking is restored on the east side of the block. On-street parking will remain restricted on the west side of the block as crews continue to utilize space for storage. This space is anticipated to be vacated by the end of the week of May 21.
- University Street: As noted in previous email updates, University Street restoration requires closing the block. Beginning Monday, May 14, University Street will be closed as crews restore the entire street. Closing the street allows for efficient completion of these activities. Drivers are encouraged to use Seneca Street as an alternate route to the waterfront. Access to Republic Parking will remain open at the northwest corner of the lot. Uniformed police officers will be available to guide this access.
- Western Avenue: Traffic on Western Avenue will remain restricted to one lane with flaggers during working hours as crews complete restoration activities. During non-working hours, two lanes with one-way traffic will be maintained. Pedestrian and bicycle access is maintained at all times on the east side of the street.
- Union Street Substation: Restoration activities continue in the Union Street Substation. This localized activity is likely to last throughout the month of May.
Interactive project map
All traffic, pedestrian and bike routes remain in place unless otherwise noted on the map.
Please note: Major construction work for this project has been completed; cable pulling and restoration activities remain.
Map Tips
- Click a legend item to turn the map item on or off.
- Click a shape for additional detail.
- Some items overlap; viewing multiple items may make the map difficult to read.
- "Map" view vs. "satellite" view (upper right) may be easier to read.
Additional parking and construction Information
- The interactive map above highlights currently-available on-street parking within the project area, and nearby private lots.
- Pioneer Square garages and new parking at Pier 48 - is available at Your Spot Is Here.
- For additional information related to nearby construction projects, and their affect on parking, pedestrian, bike and traffic, please see the Alaskan Way Viaduct Waterfront Construction page.
What is part of this project?
The utility lines will also be upgraded to meet current standards. The old lines are Self-Contained Fluid-Filled (SCFF) transmission cable. The new lines will be Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) transmission cable to help maintain proper temperature control and reliability. The SCFF cable that is located on the viaduct will be drained, capped, and remain on the viaduct until it is demolished in 2016 and disposed.
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