Utility workers in Burley completed power restoration efforts early Tuesday morning following a collision that damaged infrastructure near Overland Avenue and 8th Street. The incident occurred Monday evening when a northbound semi-truck struck utility poles and traffic signals, leaving approximately 1,600 households without electricity.
Floyd Thomas, the City of Burley electrical superintendent, said the truck snagged a fiber optic line crossing Overland Avenue around 7 p.m., causing multiple poles to break. The impact also destroyed a traffic signal arm, leaving it nearly on the ground.
“Right around 7 o’clock a semi come through going northbound and something on the semi snagged the fiber line that was going across right here, across Overland,” Thomas said. “Doing that broke a couple poles.”
Restoration Efforts
City electrical crews responded immediately to the scene. They worked through the night, initially restoring service to 600 customers before addressing the remaining damage. Full power was restored by approximately 6:10 a.m. Tuesday.
While electricity was returned quickly, internet service remained disrupted for some residents. Fiber crews from local internet providers spent Tuesday repairing the severed lines to restore connectivity in the affected areas.
Traffic Safety Concerns
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) confirmed that the damaged traffic signal at the intersection is currently inoperable. Signal heads have been covered for safety. Drivers traveling on 8th Street are required to come to a complete stop, while traffic on Overland Avenue has the right of way and does not need to stop.
ITD officials stated they are developing a timeline to replace the signal infrastructure. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Safety Reminders
No injuries were reported in the incident. However, city officials emphasized the dangers associated with downed power lines during such accidents.
“Assume it’s live, always assume that it’s energized,” Thomas said. “If you are in your car and you don’t know if a power lines on, stay in your car.”
Similar infrastructure challenges have been addressed elsewhere in the region, such as when Twin Falls County moved forward with temporary repairs for the Centennial Park boat ramp. Local transportation authorities continue to monitor road safety conditions following major incidents, including recent operations like the one that allowed Hansen Bridge traffic to resume.