Update: Construction worker knocks out power on Clearwater

An excavator hit a power pole on Clearwater Avenue mid afternoon Wednesday, taking out electric service to 107 electric customers.

Drivers are asked to take different streets to avoid the 3900 block of Clearwater Avenue near Neel Street. The city was getting ready to reopen the stretch about 4:15 p.m.

Electric workers expected it would take about four to five hours more to restore power to the businesses, including to the Towne Square mall.

Benton PUD crews were called to the scene about 3:30 p.m., along with emergency responders, including the Kennewick Fire Department.

Battalion Chief Tod Kreutz said an excavator working on a new Dutch Bros. coffee shop snagged a power pole, knocking down several lines, including some that crossed the busy Kennewick thoroughfare.

No one was hurt but several cars ran over the power lines on the roadway without knowing if the lines were electrically charged, Kreutz said.

This story was originally published September 6, 2017 at 3:41 PM with the headline "Update: Construction worker knocks out power on Clearwater."