Backhoe knocks down power poles; Denny Way was closed for hours

SEATTLE -- Seattle City Light officials said a backhoe knocked over four power poles around 12 p.m. Monday near a construction area on Denny Way.

The main thoroughfare was closed for hours, but the Washington State Department of Transportation said at 4 p.m. that everything but the right, westbound lane of Denny Way had reopened to traffic.

About 11:30 a.m., a contractor working near Denny Way and Pontius Street with a backhoe snagged a power line, bringing it down and breaking four poles. No one was injured. Police, firefighters and Seattle City Light crews responded to keep the area clear and de-energize the wires.

Denny Way between Fairview Street and Stewart Street were expected to be closed for 10-12 hours as City Light employees worked to clear the downed poles.

Motorists are advised to avoid Denny Way while utility crews repair power lines and poles damaged in an accident.

An alternate street for traffic on Denny to reach Capitol Hill is Olive Way. An alternate route to reach the on-ramp to southbound I-5 from Denny is Howell Street. Motorists can also use Fairview Avenue North to the Mercer I-5 ramps.