Let there be lights: The city updates the Seattle street situation

| Utilities | West Seattle news

Checking the WSB archives, it was one year ago today that we broke the story of Seattle City Light‘s massive burned-out-streetlight backup: 3,500. We went looking for that story because City Light has asked us (and others) to share an update on the streetlight situation from Superintendent Jorge Carrasco and City Councilmember Bruce Harrell. It’s published on SCL’s Power Lines site; their update says the situation a year ago was even more dire than we’d been told at the time (they mention 8,000 burnouts and a six-month wait in “early 2009”), but they are now committed to a 10-day turnaround. They’re also embarking on a federally funded project to replace 5,000 of the city’s 80,000 streetlights with LEDs; they hope to eventually replace them all. In the meantime, if you’ve got streetlight trouble, they point you to this online form; you also can call 206-684-7056. (WSB photo taken today during streetlight work spotted at 42nd/Dakota)

ScottA February 23, 2010 (8:04 pm)

I’m glad there’s some press on this issue and maybe progress. In early fall of last year I did the online form to report 4 lights out at one intersection at Western Ave and Spring Street downtown. The form results said something like “if you don’t see the lamps replaced in 60 days please contact us again. Thanks.” I thought – first of all I shouldn’t have to report a DARK downtown intersection at all and then to say if there’s no fix after 2 months(!) then please re-report it – crazy. There were other intersections downtown (like Westlake and Stewart) that were also dark for many weeks – I can only imagine how West Seattle was like. If you notice a streetlight out – remember to note the pole number – it makes the on-line form easier last time I used it.
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On the other topic about LED lights – there’s a test area on Capitol Hill (10th Ave a few blocks north of Broadway + a couple other test areas around town). Very cold, kind of dim lighting. I’m not so sure swapping out all of our lights for these is a good idea.

coffee February 23, 2010 (9:13 pm)

I report lights all the time and I do use the pole number, it seems to make a difference. I will say 2 things, they used to get them done really quickly, but for 2008, and 2009 they were very slow in getting these fixed. If I have the time I even pull over and jot down the pole in areas that are extra dark and the light is out. And lastly, if you are in an area served by South West Suburban Sewer District, the lights are served and serviced by City Light, but if you call the SWSSD office and report the pole number, the light gets fixed in record time, like 1-2 weeks. I know because we have reported lights to them and they do get fixed fast. The office even told me that its better if they call in the light to City Light.

bolo February 23, 2010 (10:37 pm)

West Seattle Bridge would be a good area for them to focus on. Been reporting that stretch for seems like years…

Karen February 24, 2010 (5:24 am)

I agree with bolo = the Spokane street viaduct is very dark and dangerous!!

dsa February 25, 2010 (9:56 am)

LED, they have got to be kidding.

DBurns February 26, 2010 (9:15 am)

They were on our street yesterday fixing a burnt bulb!

WSB February 26, 2010 (9:22 am)

They do seem to have a crew out and about – beyond the photo, which we did take the same day we published the story – saw one along Fauntleroy near the ex-Huling lots yesterday afternoon – TR

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