SR 169 closed in both directions north of Enumclaw after power pole fire
Jan 29, 2026, 9:45 AM | Updated: 9:47 am
SR 169 was closed in both directions north of Enumclaw early Thursday morning due to a power pole fire. (Photo courtesy of Enumclaw Fire Department)
(Photo courtesy of Enumclaw Fire Department)
SR 169 was closed in both directions north of Enumclaw early Thursday morning, the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reported, due to a power pole fire.
The highway was closed in both northbound and southbound directions between S.E. 416th and 400th Streets (mileposts 2-3) at 3:30 a.m. WSDOT initially didn’t explain the reason for the closure, stating only that an “earlier incident” forced it.
“Responders are on scene, but we have no estimate when lanes will reopen,” WSDOT said on X. “Seek alternate routes and expect delays.”
UPDATE: Here’s a look at the location of the closure of SR 169 after an earlier incident. No NB or SB traffic between SE 400th & 416th streets (MP 2-3).
Responders are on scene, but we have no estimate when lanes will reopen. Seek alternate routes and expect delays. https://t.co/9KpJaMgk6f pic.twitter.com/RefzKAemiZ
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) January 29, 2026
The Enumclaw Fire Department later revealed that a power pole fire caused the highway closure.
“When fire crews arrived on scene, they found a power pole that was on fire and significantly compromised,” the Enumclaw Fire Department stated. “Highway 169 was immediately shut down at the cross streets-416th St and 400th St, due to the danger. Shortly after traffic was rerouted, in a dramatic explosion of fire and electricity, the transformer blew, causing the weakened power pole to fail, making that immediate area extremely dangerous!”
The fire was extinguished, and the scene was stabilized by 6:30 a.m.
This is a developing story, check back for updates
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