Update: state Route 169 is now open again. PSE still doing work on roadside, and flaggers are place.  Traffic flowing well.

Black Diamond residents are advised that 3^rd Avenue remains closed in both directions at about the 32600 block.  Northbound traffic is being diverted down Jones Lake Road and up Baker Street.  Southbound traffic is being diverted down Baker Street and down Jones Lake Road.

Puget Sound Energy has flaggers on-scene. Traffic delays are expected through Thursday and Friday.

Wednesday at approximately 4 p.m. PSE was notified of a transformer fire on a utility pole near 32600 3^rd Avenue.

After arriving the fire was confirmed and it had actually burned through half of the pole which created a dangerous situation for passing traffic.

A decision was made to close traffic in all directions as Black Diamond Fire responded.

Puget Sound Energy was also notified.  After Black Diamond Fire responded and put out the fire they were able to conduct a quick examination of the pole.

The pole had major structural damage at the top near the transformer and was at risk of breaking off, which would have fallen onto 3^rd AVE.  Th decision was made to keep 3^rd Avenue closed and directed Black Diamond Public Works to respond with traffic signs.

After PSE’s arrival they advised they would need to replace the pole and keep traffic closed on 3^rd Avenue.