Environmental Services will begin work soon to replace sewer pipes that are in poor condition on SE Oak Street from SE 10th to SE 18th avenues and some adjacent streets (see map). Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in summer 2013.

Pre-construction Activities

Survey crews will locate and mark existing utilities with spray paint. Geotechnical crews may drill to verify underground utility locations and test soil and pavement conditions. In order to minimize damage to trees in the work zone, certified arborists from Portland Parks Urban Forestry will trim tree branches to a minimum height of 14 feet.

Construction Method

The city’s contractor will use a combination of open trench excavation and trenchless technology and there may be periods of inactivity between the steps. The work will include the following steps:

• Pavement cut at trench or shaft width
• Pavement and existing material removed
• Pipe installed
• Backfill with sand or gravel
• Excavate and replace sewer service laterals
• Decommission existing pipe
• Final paving and restoration

The contractor will dig trenches to the curb to install lateral pipes that connect individual properties to the sewer. There will be no loss of service to any properties during construction.

What to Expect During Construction

• There will be noise, vibration, dust, traffic congestion, temporary parking loss, lane reductions, street closures in the construction zone, and disruption to normal neighborhood activity.
• Work hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The contractor may schedule work during the same hours on Saturdays.
• Some streets will close to through traffic during work hours, but the contractor will maintain local access. You may experience delays getting to your home or business.
• Parking will be prohibited in work zones during work hours.
• Sewer service and other utilities should not be interrupted during construction.
• A city construction inspector will be on-site during work hours. If you have an immediate need during construction, the on-site inspector may be able to assist you.
• Equipment and material will be secured on the street after work hours.

Over one-third of Portland’s 2,500 miles of sewer pipes are more than 80 years old. Projects to replace or repair aging sewers are important for protecting water quality, public health, and the environment. 

For More Information 

Contact Joe Annett at 503-823-2934. Enter “SE Oak Sewer Project” in the email subject line to receive future construction updates by email.

Please contact us if you have concerns such as maintaining driveway access, business operations, medical deliveries, etc.