Due to the construction of two large underground utility vaults on SE 147^th Ave., traffic headed both east and west on SE Powell Blvd. may be slowed, or stopped briefly to allow vehicles to turn north onto SE 147^th Ave., or to exit onto Powell Blvd. Currently underway, the work requires a 24-hour, seven day a week Local Access Only street closure of one block of SE 147^th Ave. until June 2013. 

On this dead-end street, the work zone is near the corner, so three traffic flaggers must be stationed around-the-clock to allow residents, visitors and deliveries to safely come and go. The intersection is lighted at night for the safety of the flaggers.

One vault will contain a new water flow control valve being connected to an existing 48-inch diameter pipeline that serves the Powell Butte underground reservoirs. Once this water vault is completed, the contractor will move to the other side of the street to build another utility vault. This one will house an in-pipe four turbine hydropower system that will use the force of fast flowing water to generate clean, reliable and low-cost electricity. Portland is one of the first cities in the US to install this innovative in-pipe hydropower system. 

The Portland Water Bureau encourages motorists to use alternate routes away from the work zone to avoid any delays. The public’s patience and cooperation are appreciated as the Water Bureau works to upgrade the city’s century-old water system.

Tim Hall
Community Information & Involvement

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