Back to Blog

OPALCO SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ON WARBASS WAY – Traffic Disruptions Expected through end of July

Contractors are at work replacing old power poles and upgrading the wire for greater capacity and reliability on Warbass Way in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Work is progressing well and the project is expected to complete by the end of July. Please use caution in the area and give the crews at work a wide berth.

These system improvements are part of OPALCO’s regular maintenance program and an opportunity to upgrade the capacity of the line in preparation for the future. With the ten new poles in place and larger wire size, OPALCO crews will be able to create new loop feeds and redundancy for greater reliability and faster recovery during outages. Because of the terrain and location of other utilities in the area, it’s not feasible to move these facilities underground.

Thank you for your patience and caution during this important project!

You may also like...

we want your feedback

OPALCO Conducting a Member Survey through December 12, 2025

OPALCO has been engaging with members this year about our shared energy future and the future of renewables in San Juan County. Regionally and throughout the entire country, industry experts … Read more
down tree and power line on Shaw Island

When the Lights Go Out

A little preparation can make all the difference when you lose power Most of us depend on electricity to power nearly every aspect of our daily lives—from heating and lighting … Read more
aerial view of the newly relocated power poles on Jackson Beach on San Juan Island.

Making Way for Salmon

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative relocates poles and lines to enable habitat restoration For years, two essential transmission poles serving power to Orcas Power & Light Cooperative members were on … Read more