UPDATE: 

Traffic Advisory - Update

Water construction extended on SW Market Street at SW Naito Parkway

Portland,OR– Citing the need for more time due to difficult working conditions, the contractor for the Portland Water Bureau will continue work in the intersection ofSW Naito ParkwayatSW Market Streetuntil Friday, May 18. The work could be completed sooner.

Work hours are 9:00 am - 3:00 pm and the signals will be turned off at SW Market and Naito.  Flaggers will be used to get vehichles, bicycles and pedestrians through.  Expect delays. The signals will be turned with flaggers.

With a smaller work zone, fewer traffic lanes will be closed and the signal lights will be on.  Flaggers and traffic cones will help move motorists past the site.  Motorists and bicyclists are encouraged to find alternate routes to avoid delays.

This work is part of the second phase of the Portland Water Bureau's Westside Header Project to replace an aging supply pipeline that is critical to the city’s water system.

Tract-hoe peels back Naito Parkway pavement.

Pipe trench where a bed of gravel waits nearby.

 Crew lowers pipe into trench.

Workers carefully place pipe to make connection to another section of pipe.

Pipe specs must be near perfect to line up to connect with existing supply main. Once pipe is laid and sections welded together and inspected, the trench is filled with gravel. Meanwhile, workers are already digging the trench for the next section.

Project Summary

In January 2012, a Portland Water Bureau construction contractor started to install another 5,000-feet of 36-inch diameter steel mains to replace an aging supply pipeline that is critical to the city's water system. Since July 2011, the contractor has been installing protective pipe casing under sections of SW Naito Pkwy, SW Kelly Ave., andSW Harrison St.

The contractor will now work from north to south. The 12-month open trench construction project, with some work at night, affects the following streets:

• SW Naito Pkwy., between SW Caruthers St. and SW Clay St.   
• SW Caruthers St., between SW Naito Pkwy. and SW Water Ave.;
• SW Water Ave., between SW Caruthers St. and SW Baker St.;
• SW Baker St., between SW Water Ave. and SW Water Ave;
• SW Water Ave., from SW Baker St. under SW Kelly Ave. to Hooker St.;
• SW Hooker St.,  from under SW Naito Pkwy to SW First Ave; and
• SW First Ave., between SW Hooker St. and SW Porter St.;

The Portland Water Bureau encourages motorists and bicyclists to avoid these streets when work is underway. The public's cooperation is appreciated.

New Project Alignment Route 3/14/11 - click to view PDF

Project Overview

The Portland Water Bureau constructs, maintains, and operates the City of Portland’s water system to ensure that sufficient quantities of water are available for fire suppression and for distribution to water customers.

The “Westside Header Relocation” project in Southwest Portland will address the replacement and relocation of an aging water supply main. The Water Bureau is performing similar upgrades throughout the city.

Project Schedule 

Expect pipeline construction to occur at the pace of approximately two weeks per block.

Upon completion, street pavement over trenches will be restored.

The Portland Water Bureau is committed to reducing construction impacts to residents and businesses during construction activity and will:

• provide detailed alignment and schedule information in advance
• provide notification of traffic disruptions
• be available to respond to questions and concerns during construction

There will be regular construction noise associated with this project, including machinery and large trucks working in the roadway.

Pipe installation in front of a given house will generally last up to three weeks.

There will be some parking restrictions, road closures, and traffic delays during the course of construction. The Water Bureau will work with affected residents to provide assistance with on necessary special accommodation.

Traffic Management

The Portland Water Bureau and its contractors developed a traffic management plan in conjunction with the Portland Office of Transportation (PDOT). This includes project signage, flaggers, detours and safety barriers as required.

Water Supply in Your Home or Business

Your water service will not be affected by this work.  

Work Hours

Construction activity will normally take place during weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Some Saturday activity will also take place. If activity is required outside of normal working hours, the Portland Water Bureau will notify residents.

Additional Information

For information about this project, contact Tim Hall, Public Information, at 503-823-6926 or 503-381-0056 (cell).

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as the Portland Water Bureau works to improve the city’s century old water system.