Construction Begins this April on New Crosswind Transmission Line 

New transmission line will support future loads and allow for battery storage project

Site preparation for construction of the new 115kV Crosswind transmission line in Arlington is scheduled to begin in April 2026. The line will connect the new Crosswind substation to the PUD’s electrical system and other substations on the grid.

The double circuit overhead 115-kV line will be comprised of ductile iron and/or steel poles ranging from 80 ft in height to 85 ft in height. Together with the substation, this infrastructure will help ​support both existing and future system loads and allow for the construction of a new battery storage project located at the PUD’s North County Campus at 17601 59th Ave. NE, Arlington.

“We appreciate our partners at the City of Arlington Community and Economic Development Department for helping us identify a route and path forward for this project,” said Ben Davis, PUD Manager Plat Engineering. “When completed, the battery storage project will help us manage peak energy usage and keep energy costs affordable for customers. Thank you in advance for your patience while we complete construction of this essential infrastructure.”

Work along 63rd Avenue will require traffic control and lane closures. The PUD’s contractor will work with businesses as necessary to minimize disruption. Site preparation and tree removal is estimated to take six to eight weeks.

Work along 59th Avenue will require temporary closures of portions of the Airport Trail in the active work zone. The trail will be rerouted when possible. The trail will be restored and paved as part of the PUD’s mitigation efforts.

Trees are being removed to prepare the site for construction of the new line. This is necessary for the short and long-term safety of workers constructing and maintaining these poles.

The PUD has worked closely with the City of Arlington to develop a comprehensive tree removal mitigation plan that includes both replanting of smaller ornamental trees and payment in lieu of replanting. The City will be able to use the funds provided by the PUD to plant trees at other locations that serve the community without creating potential safety hazards for the airport or PUD structures.

Construction of the transmission line will start this spring, and work is scheduled to be substantially complete in 2026. The related battery storage project is also scheduled to be completed in 2026.

More information about the Crosswind Transmission Line can be found at snopud.com/crosswind.