Wire theft continues to cost the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars every year, but the crime is also impacting safety and traffic management.
The ramp meters from 320th to I-5 in Federal Way have been dark for several weeks. A daily commuter asked me why. My initial thought was simple: wire theft, and I was right. WSDOT confirmed. Someone cut through the fence to the junction box and ripped the wire.
No more ramp meters. The thieves also stole the wire for the new overhead lights in the area. These lights were installed for safety. Too bad…