Wedgwood Electrical Improvements
Project Description
Seattle City Light crews will be working in the Wedgwood neighborhood to replace all the aging underground infrastructure that caused several unplanned power outages in this area. The excessive heatwave in summer 2021 generated several equipment failures, which require extensive replacement along 35th Avenue NE.
Location
Construction will occur in Seattle's Wedgwood neighborhood along 35th Avenue NE and several side streets
What's Happening Now?
Project Update (September 2022): This project was substantially complete in May 2022. However, due to supply chain constraints limiting availability of certain equipment, the utility assessed all existing infrastructure and determined some transformers would not be replaced as part of the project based on factors such as age and condition. In August 2022, the utility replaced three more transformers following failure during high temperatures. Before the end of 2022, the utility will replace the final two transformers within this system. This work will take about 2-3 days and require localized outages at the time of replacement. Advance notice will be provided to impacted customers.
Community Benefits
- The benefits will be new infrastructure and improved reliability of the underground system that feeds multiple businesses and residences in this busy area of Wedgwood.
Anticipated Impacts
- Crews will be replacing several Junction boxes, elbows, transformers, and cables that make up the underground electrical system for this area of Wedgwood.
- The emergency work includes about 15 blocks of both commercial and residential customers. Crews will complete this work in sections.
- For the safety of our crews, City Light will need to conduct planned outages to perform the work. Some work may need to be performed at night to accommodate local businesses. Affected customers will be notified separately via a door-hanger or mailed notice with the outage date, time, and duration.
- Customers can expect parking, sidewalk, and traffic impacts along 35th Avenue NE and nearby surrounding streets. Construction signage and traffic control flaggers will redirect pedestrians and vehicles where needed.
- City Light will be performing this work under a noise variance permit. Some noise is expected due to heavy machinery, trucks, and other equipment.
- Start Date: Mid-August 2021
- Duration: Two and a half months
- Work Hours:
- Mondays - Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturdays - Sundays, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Christopher Raines
Electrical Service Representative Supervisor
(206) 684-4228
christopher.raines@seattle.gov