Undergrounding

Replacing overhead electrical power lines with underground lines helps improve the safety and reliability of the power grid in Alameda.

Plus, removing overhead utility lines is one of the most noticeable improvements a neighborhood can make. Wires, poles, and other equipment can obscure the beautiful scenery of our island community.

Undergrounding of utilities consists of placing overhead main lines and service lines - including telephone, electric, cable television and other telecommunications - underground in a trench. The city of Alameda has had an underground utility program since 1984 and about half of the city’s overhead wires have been moved underground.

Current Undergrounding Projects

Otis/Broadway District

The City Council approved the Otis/Broadway Underground Utility District (UUD #38) at its February 19, 2019, meeting. The district boundaries are along Otis Drive from High Street to Broadway Street including streets south of Otis Drive (i.e. Pearl Street, Versailles Avenue, Mound Street, and Court Street) and along Broadway Street from La Jolla to Encinal Avenue.

Engineering design work is estimated to take 12-18 months. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2021, with completion expected 24-36 months later. Learn more.

Future Undergrounding Projects

Within the next year, AMP plans to recommend that the City Council approve additional undergrounding projects from the list of recommendations received from the district nominating board (DNB). (The DNB, made up of four members of the public and one member of the Public Works Department, had previously reviewed potential areas for undergrounding.) This list includes the following areas:

  • Webster Street - all crossings - Central Avenue to Pacific Avenue including Eagle Avenue - West of Constitution Way; and along Central Avenue from Eighth Street to Webster Street.
  • Broadway - Buena Vista Ave to Clement Ave
  • Fernside Boulevard from Encinal Avenue to High Street, including lines on Lincoln Park access road
  • Park Street - San Jose Avenue to Otis Drive

More Information