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A trellis for invasive plants? This rusting tower and others like it on Sunset Blvd NE perform no useful function. The electric wires were removed years ago, and the towers are just abandoned and disintegrating in place.
It’s way past time for the Electric Utility to remove the derelict power line towers on Sunset. Our views in Renton are cluttered enough by power lines, that we don’t need a bunch of additional rusting towers adding their own blight.
I took these photos two years ago, and the scene is no different today (other than a little more weed growth and more rust. )
This power line was abandoned and replaced by a new run many years ago, but the retired power lines were initially left in place. Several years ago copper thieves began climbing the towers and stealing the wire, so as a safety measure the power company removed the rest of the wire.
I assumed they would eventually apply for demolition permits to remove the ugly, unnecessary towers, but that has not happened. I’ve expressed my displeasure to our local utilities in the past that they never seem to prioritize maintaining the appearance of their easements in Renton. This is just one example of it.
I don’t remember whether these were owned by PSE or Seattle City Light, but in either case the City of Renton should lean on them to take them down and clean up this easement.
You may have to look closely to realize there are no wires going to this large electrical truss tower that pointlessly interferes with views in the Windsor Hills neighborhood.
The abandoned towers are in the greenbelt between I-405 and Sunset Blvd NE
Himalayan Blackberry, english Ivy, and other invasive plant species climb the rusting structures, spreading seeds through wind and birds to nearby homes.
The two towers shown are the closest to the street. There are several other abandoned towers in the greenbelt to the north of these.
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