A single car accident sheared off a fire hydrant located on the south side of NE Columbia Boulevard at NE 29th Avenue in the early morning hours of Monday, December 3, 2012. Flows from the damaged hydrant caused flooding on a 100 foot stretch of NE Columbia Boulevard.  

Portland Police responded to the site and towed the vehicle. Portland Water Bureau crews throttled down the water distribution main that fed the hydrant and began cleaning the area of mud and debris. As of 7:00 AM this morning, the right hand east bound lane of NE Columbia is closed as Water Bureau crews continue repairs. No water services are affected, and the hydrant will be replaced sometime this morning. The south side east bound lane of NE Columbia Boulevard will reopen as soon as the replacement is complete.

Terry Black
Public Information Officer
(503) 823-8064