Crime & Safety
Update: State Route 169 in Black Diamond Now Open
A transformer fire on a utility pole caused major structural damage and needs to be replaced, so a section of the highway was closed into Thursday morning.
Update: 12 p.m.: The roadway is now open.
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Original story:
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Third Avenue, or State Route 169, at about the 32600 block in Black Diamond remains closed in both directions Thursday after a transformer fire caused significant damage to a utility pole Wednesday.
According to information provided by Mayor Rebecca Olness, the fire was reported at about 4 p.m. Wednesday in that area of the city. Fire officials confirmed it had burned through half the pole which created a potential traffic hazard if it broke off, so city officials opted to close traffic in all directions on Third Avenue.
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Puget Sound Energy assessed the damage and confirmed they would need to replace the pole. As of Thursday morning, it has not yet been replaced, so city officials expect traffic delays could impact drivers both today and Friday.
Northbound traffic is being diverted down Jones Lake Road and up Baker Street. Southbound traffic is being diverted down Baker Street and down Jones Lake Road.
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