Big Bear Lake, CA, July 28, 2014 – Starting today, Bear Valley Electric Service will begin work to move three miles of power poles and wires to underground conduits along Big Bear Blvd. This is being done in conjunction with sidewalk upgrades planned by the City of Big Bear Lake.
Many of the power poles date back to the 1970s and need to be replaced, according to BVES Operations Manager Paul Marconi, and this project will improve safety, reliability, and aesthetics along Big Bear’s main tourist thoroughfare. Underground power lines last longer and are more immune to damage from Big Bear’s extreme weather, car crashes, and animals.
The Boulevard Electrical Distribution Undergrounding Project will be done on and off along various stretches of the boulevard over the next 15 months. Phase 1, which involves digging trenches alongside and across Big Bear Blvd. between Paine and Pine Knot, begins today and should last about 4 weeks. This will involve temporary lane closures, however traffic controls will be used to minimize the project’s impact on drivers. Phase 2 is expected to begin next April.
