Update: River Road fire safety improvements
WHAT & WHY:
The River Road project, extending to Big Jim Lane and beyond the railroad tracks, is focused on enhancing wildfire resilience by relocating overhead utility infrastructure underground. This proactive measure significantly reduces the risk of wildfire ignition during extreme weather events.
Project Progress:
- Phases 1 & 2 Completed
All work in these initial phases is finished.
- Phase 3 Upcoming
Contractors have completed excavation, conduit installation, and vault placement.
- Phases 4 & 5 Underway
Contractors are now starting excavation and installation of conduit and vaults.
Next Steps:
Chelan County PUD crews are scheduled to return in Fall 2025 and Summer 2026 to complete the final phase of the project, which involves pulling wire through the newly installed underground conduit and vault systems in Phases 3, 4, and 5.
WHEN & WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Work Resumes: PUD contractor Smith Excavation is scheduled to resume work in the Spring, with construction expected to continue through September.
- Traffic Impacts: There may be some delays. Please be mindful of flaggers and traffic signage.
- Work Hours: Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Power Outages: There may be scheduled power outages. Affected customers will be notified in advance.