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Power Engineering Society (PE-31)

The Tacoma Narrows Crossing was considered an engineering marvel when it was built in 1926. At 6300 feet, the recently rebuilt crossing is still one of the longest power transmission spans in the world. After nearly 80 years of reliable service, the original crossing had lasted well beyond normal life expectancy for such a "river" crossing.

Tacoma Power replaced four 320 foot high single circuit towers with two 450 foot high double circuit towers to ensure safety, avoid extensive maintenance and support a new higher capacity conductor required for meeting load growth for BPA customers. The overall project cost including several additional upgrades to Tacoma's 115 kV Potlatch Lines was nearly $17 million.

The construction phase in 2006 followed many years of study, project scoping, considering alternatives, permitting, community involvement and design. This presentation will briefly review how the project was developed and implemented using a "design build" construction process.

Bob Kirchmeier has worked for Tacoma Power since 1982 on a wide range of generation, transmission and distribution facilities. He was the Project Manager for the Narrows Crossing and several other substation and transmission projects. He's an IEEE member, Electrical Administrator and Professional Engineer in Washington State.

Directions to Washington Group from I-405 South:

• Exit #13B/NE 8th ST. East onto NE 8th St
• Go about 0.4 miles
• Turn right on 110th Ave and take immediate left on NE 9th Street
• Garage parking is available for a fee. Street parking is limited.
• Plaza Center Building is on the left hand side before you enter the parking lot. Kindly note that there is one more Plaza center on the other side of the parking lot too.
• Go to the second floor.

Directions to Washington Group from I-405 North:

• Exit #13B/NE 8th ST/NE 4th ST onto NE 8th ST
• Go about .3 miles
• Turn right on 110th Ave and take immediate left on NE 9th Street
• Garage parking is available for a fee. Street parking is limited.
• Plaza Center Building is on the left hand side before you enter the parking lot. Kindly note that there is one more Plaza center on the other side of the parking lot too
• Go to the second floor.

Contact: Contact Max Emrick, memrick@ieee.org, 253-502-8826 for more information on this talk.