"Be aware:" 16 intersections in downtown Milwaukee down due to transformer issue



MILWAUKEE -- We Energies has alerted the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) that one of its transformers is experiencing some difficulties. That transformer is underground near 6th and Kilbourn. Officials say work to repair the transformer will begin Saturday morning, July 23rd.



As a result, traffic signals at downtown intersections are in “flash mode” and will be turned off Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m., in order to make the repairs. DPW staff is placing STOP signs at these intersections to control traffic flow.

"Just be aware in those particular intersections to use caution as you drive through," said Brian Manthey, We Energies.



Traffic lights started having issues around 2:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon.

"It's hard to tell what would have caused that. Sometimes age and condition will catch up with equipment," said Manthey.

A total of 16 intersections have been affected:


    Crews waited for traffic to die down to begin work replacing the transformer at 6th and Kilbourne.

    "The transformers are very heavy pieces of material. You need to be able to get those out safely and it's underground," said Manthey.



    No other customers are affected by the outage.

    We Energies is still working to figure out why the transformer failed. They say it is not heat related.

    The fix should be completed by Saturday afternoon.