PORT ANGELES — Crews next month will begin replacing overhead power lines on the alley between First and Second streets in Port Angeles.

The $140,930, one-month project will affect an eight-block section of the alley between Liberty and Vine streets.

Port Angeles Electrical Engineering Specialist Brian Anders said the existing No. 6 copper wire above the alley is more than 50 years old.

The brittle wire has less capacity than new wire and has a greater possibility of failing, Anders said in a Tuesday interview.

A unanimous Port Angeles City Council awarded a contract July 3 to Wilson Construction Co. of Canby, Ore., the lowest of four out-of-market bidders for the power line replacement. The engineer’s estimate was $171,725.

The 2018 electric utility budget included $200,000 for construction.

Anders said the work will begin Nov. 5 or Nov. 12, depending on when the contractor completes its previous job. The project is expected to be completed by mid-December.

City officials reminded the public to slow down around work crews for safety.

“There’s still going to be vehicle access and pedestrian access around the job site,” Anders said.

“At some point, they will be closing the alley intermittently.”

The First-Second street alley project is the third in several phases of upgrading old copper wire to steel-reinforced aluminum to improve safety and reliability, city officials have said.

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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsula dailynews.com.