Sims Gateway: A More Affordable Path
Jefferson PUD staff provided a progress update on the Sims Gateway Project during a special meeting held on November 19th, highlighting an alternative overhead design and estimated project timeline.
The Sims Gateway Project is a collaborative effort between the Port of Port Townsend, Jefferson PUD, and the City of Port Townsend designed to enhance Port and public safety and help ensure utility reliability. $2M in funding for the Gateway project stems from a $1M grant from the Jefferson County Public Infrastructure Fund (PIF) fund and in-kind resources from partner groups. Approximately $700k ($350k in funding from PIF and $350k from JPUD) is allocated to support utility construction and the planned removal of aging poplar trees along Sims Way.
Original project designs were based upon the undergrounding of approximately 1,900 feet of 115,000-volt transmission lines along the south side of Sims Way in Port Townsend. Construction estimates for undergrounding construction came in at more than $6.2M, more than 10x the allotted utility funding amount. The alternative overhead design presented an estimated $700k total project cost.
The overhead design shifts the existing transmission pole line to the edge of the Port properly, providing between 22’–30’ of additional space from the existing fenceline. Pole placement maintains adequate space from Sims Way while allowing for the proposed public access. The updated design reduces the overall pole count needed and improves wire sizing to more efficiently support load in the 115,000-volt line.
“There’s an economic development benefit from improved reliability,” said PUD General Manager Joseph Wilson, adding the primary benefit of the project, which was originally brought forward by the Port, is to maximize their space while increasing worker and public safety.
Project design work, now at the 30% stage, was completed by David Evans and Associates. The overhead design reflects the critical role of this line, which serves as a main connection between two of the PUD’s largest substations and provides a potential backup feed for Port Townsend Paper.
“With the alternate overhead design, and considering current demands on the line, we could essentially serve double the amount of load in this portion of our service territory,” said Wilson.
A major component of the project includes removal and replacement of the aging poplars along Sims Way. Removal is planned for late-February. The City of Port Townsend is tasked with providing native vegetation species for the project area, as well as selective tree removal along the north side of Sims Way to reduce tree crowding.
The PUD emphasized that feedback from partners at the Port of Port Townsend and City remains essential before finalizing the design and advancing into construction. Once feedback is incorporated and designs are approved, the project will move toward the request for proposal process, which is planned for January or February of 2026.