Blown transformer snarls traffic on Whitemud Drive

Power for more than 500 customers was out and traffic on Whitemud Drive was snarled after a transformer blew on Friday afternoon.

Traffic was back to normal around 6 p.m. on the Whitemud between 149 Street and 156 Street as Epcor crews dealt with a blown transformer along one of the city ’s busiest commuter roads.

Epcor spokesman Tim LeRiche said the power line of concern was in the area of 156 Street on the south side of Whitemud Drive.

Crews managed to shore up the sagging power line that was threatening the freeway below.

Traffic was slowed to one lane eastbound around Whitemud Drive and 159 Street until just before 6 p.m. Westbound lanes were reopened shortly after the initial call.

Three fire crews were called out just before 3 p.m. and left the scene shortly before 5 p.m.

Power was restored to 555 customers in the area by 7 p.m. Friday, LeRiche said.

Fire services spokeswoman Maya Filipovic said an earlier report that a light pole was on fire turned out to be the transformer.

Pole fires often occur during the spring when dust, dirt and salt cover the insulators connected to the wires atop power poles. When snow or moisture mixes with the debris, electricity can travel from the wires to the poles, according to Epcor.