For 92 years, four electric towers have stood in Henderson Bay holding the lines that carry power to Tacoma from the Cushman Dam. At the end of this month, Tacoma Power will begin construction to replace those towers with one steel pole near the Purdy Sand Spit. The project supports the utility’s focus on providing reliable service.
The work will require several large barges and cranes to install the new pole and remove the old towers. Crews will also install two temporary poles to hold the power lines away from the construction area.
“Working in a marine environment around a heavily traveled highway makes this is a highly complex project,” said Tacoma Power Project Manager James Blessing. “Our goal is to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible while minimizing impacts to the people who live, work and drive in this area.”
Peninsula Light Company relies on the lines to serve its customers; Tacoma Power does not anticipate the project will impact electric service.
“The biggest impact we anticipate right now is slow-moving traffic on SR 302 near the bridge,” Blessing said. “The work will be visible from the bridge, and people driving across may try to get a good look at what’s happening. We encourage drivers to keep their eyes on the road and be safe.”
Magnum Power from Castle Rock, WA will serve as the primary contractor for this high voltage transmission line replacement project. A subcontractor that specializes in marine work, Advanced American Construction from Portland, OR, will install the large pipe pile foundation for the new in-water transmission pole.
Construction will likely run through the end of September.
People who want more information about the project or want to sign up to get updates by email can do so at MyTPU.org/hendersonbay.