May 21 , 2004 News Media Release

LCRA Line Causes Power Outage

A power outage and rush hour traffic delays occurred in South Austin late this afternoon after a transmission line being installed by contractors for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) broke and fell.

The incident occurred about 3:45 pm. The three-mile-long LCRA line was being strung across 90-foot-tall towers through a series of pulleys. When it broke, it fell on top of Austin Energy lines located underneath, leaving about 4,000 Austin Energy customers without power. Austin Energy was able to restore power to all customers by 7:30 pm.

Portions of the transmission line fell to the ground along a portion of William Cannon, South Congress and Everhart Streets, slowing rush hour traffic. It also sagged over IH-35 between William Cannon and Stassney, but did not impede traffic.

The contractor involved had pulled the transmission line back into position along the top of the towers by 7:30 pm.

About a dozen Austin Energy crews were on the scene throughout the emergency to assist Austin Police and Fire Department personnel as they managed traffic - and to ensure that as the transmission line was lifted, it did not damage Austin Energy lines and create additional outages.

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For more information, contact Ed Clark, Public Information.
Phone: (512) 322-6514
Pager: (512) 802-2000