Lengthy power upgrade project on Milwaukie Avenue nears end

Published 12:00 am Sunday, November 24, 2024

Motorists driving S.E. Milwaukie Avenue between the McLoughlin Boulevard overcrossing and Powell Boulevard have been living with flaggers and restricted lane use at times of the day when as many as four separate crews have been seen simultaneously working on high-lifts around the power poles on the west side of the street.

The visible results have been orange extensions of the utility pole crossarms, with additional wiring on them, from north of Powell to south of Holgate. Many wondered what the months-long project was for, and THE BEE contacted Andrea Platt at PGE for the explanation.

Andrea responded, “What you’re seeing on S.E. Milwaukie Avenue is maintenance to replace and update poles and powerlines that are nearing the end of their useful lifecycle. This includes a power distribution line that delivers energy to homes and businesses extending north of Powell Boulevard. It also includes our equipment along Milwaukie Avenue from S.E. Pershing Street, near Powell Boulevard, to Pardee Street, near Holgate Boulevard. The project is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.”

She explains that the orange crossarm extensions are “hot arms” that allow a crew to replace equipment while the existing lines on the original crossarm remain energized, helping to minimize outages that this type of work can require.

She concedes that, for a little while longer, area residents may expect minor traffic delays and traffic control – which includes flaggers, cones, and signage – when a lane is closed for safety’s sake, as work is done. “Some residents may experience planned outages,” she says, “which we communicate to them in advance, so they can plan.”