Semi Trailer Snares Low-Hanging Powerline, Causing Power Outage In Old Town Beaverton
This is both a story of breaking news, and one of a community rallying to support one another.
Just before 3pm Friday, a semi trailer passing through Old Town Beaverton snagged a low-hanging powerline at the intersection of Second and Watson Avenues.
The accident resulted in a cascade of powerlines along Second Avenue pulling on and breaking power poles to the west. Additional poles broke along Main between Second and First. In all, a total of seven power poles were broken, some hanging precariously in air, suspended by the high tension lines they normally support.
Electrical power was disrupted along Second Avenue and to the south, according to Portland General impacting 119 customers. Businesses and residences along First Street were momentarily impacted due to electric surges that caused transformers at First and Main to explode, with fire and sparks flying. Lights flickered, powerlines above outdoor diners swayed, and at least one business, air conditioning units were temporarily knocked offline until circuits were reset.
Before emergency crews could respond, traffic immediately backed up down Watson before Second, as powerlines were down along the road, draped along parked cars. An immediate traffic clog occurred, with vehicles trying to reverse direction up Watson, turn into adjacent parking lots, and attempt to navigate to side streets, only to find them also blocked by downed lines.
As emergency vehicles arrived, vehicles nevertheless continued trying to get around them. As signage was erected noting “Road Closed”, numerous drivers ignored the signs and both vocal and verbal instruction from nearby law enforcement to stop. It was a scene of complete chaos that continued for more than two hours.
A residential neighbor in our district that knows us, and who is a local contractor, commented that the truck should never have traveled down Watson Avenue in the first place. “The lines are 13 feet, 11 inches off the ground”, he said. The truck that caused the accident has a large sign on the rear of its trailer that reads, “CAUTION 14 FEET HIGH”, indicating the height of the trailer. Separately, the driver of the truck had commented his route was approved, noting such approval comes from the City; We have not been able to confirm either portions of the statement.
It was a surreal moment seeing hundreds of cars that typically pass through Watson be directed down First Street in an endless line. At one point, both southbound lanes of Watson decided to make First Street a two-lane, one way road west. This thankfully stopped once emergency crews put up a sign blocking one lane of Watson between Farmington and First.
We connected with Ben Reese of Lionheart Coffee, who had been in communication with some of the responding emergency crews. Reese noted that power may need to be cut to unaffected businesses as part of restoring power to affected blocks, and he would be in contact with various vendors at Farmers Market to keep them informed.
News crews arrived, with KPTV was first on the scene, followed by KGW and KATU. KPTV spoke with us and several other businesses to get our read on what had transpired, and it was then that a real story of community unfolded. We had initially questioned why any traffic at all was permitted down Watson past Farmington. One news person relayed that Beaverton Police had made the decision to permit traffic to prevent any further harm to the district from lost business.
Additionally, it relayed to news crews from a lineman that in hot weather, power and other high tension lines can sag, which may have contributed to the accident. At this time, it is unknown if the truck, with a 14′ trailer height was in fact permitted to travel down Watson; Or, if the powerlines may have sagged and so contributed to the accident. As of now, no injuries have occurred as a result of the accident.
What we know at this time is, lineman will be working up to 3am Saturday morning on repairs, with another crew coming in at 5am and continuing work until it is completed. Seven power poles need to be replaced, which requires new holes to be dug and the poles fixed deep in the ground, before line repairs can commence.
At this time, roads between Washington to Main, First to Third are completely closed to any vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Beaverton Farmers Market announced through their social accounts that the market is on as scheduled, but several vendors may not be present as they rely on electrical power for their booth:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZyaJQyGqdz
We will post another update Saturday as soon with any relevant updates to help keep the community informed.
As a district of small businesses, any impact to operations can be costly, especially at a difficult economic time. We encourage you to support your local businesses in Old Town Beaverton however possible. All efforts are welcome and will be appreciated!
Despite the unfortunate crash, no one was injured and a community rallied. It was heartwarming to see so many businesses and neighbors actively asking what they could do to help. It’s a reminder of why Old Town Beaverton is so special, and something that is cherished by many.
– David Anderson, Owner
Syndicate Wine Bar
