Updated August 23, 2019

Environmental Services continues construction on a project to repair or replace up to 7,000 feet of public sewers and build up to 32 green street planters to remove 2.6 million gallons of stormwater a year from the sewer system in the northwest portion of the Sunnyside neighborhood and a portion of the Buckman community. Many of the existing combined sewer pipes are at least 100 to 120 years old and deteriorating or undersized for the sewer and stormwater flows in this area. These improvements will protect public health, property and our environment and reduce the possibility of sewage releases into streets, homes and businesses.

Developments of Note

While repairing the sewer pipe on SE Yamhill and 31st, crews encountered some pipe challenges that have taken longer than anticipated to be removed and repaired. Due to the complexity and difficulty of the work, the intersection will need to remain partially closed until Monday. Access from Yamhill turning south on 31st will remain open, as well as the left turn from 31st, heading west on Yamhill. Please follow all traffic control signs and flaggers while driving through the construction area. This is for your safety and that of the crew.

Construction Schedule   

Below are the anticipated construction activities over the next few weeks. Please note that the schedule can change for a variety of reasons, including weather, equipment and supply availability, and coordinating with crews and subcontractors.    

Week of August 26:

• Crews will finish the sewer mainline on SE Yamhill between 31st and 32nd avenues.
• The sewer mainlines on SE Yamhill between 33rd and 35th will be connected as well as sewer connections from the mainline installed between 33rd and 34th.

Week of September 3:

• Crews will continue to install the sewer connections from the mainline on SE Yamhill between 33rd and 34th.
• The sewer mainlines on SE Yamhill between 32nd and 33rd will be connected.

Week of September 9:

• Crews will install sewer connections from the mainline on SE Yamhill between 32nd and 33rd and start the connections on Yamhill between 31st and 32nd.

Construction Methods

Both trenchless and open trench excavation methods were selected for this project. To learn more about these methods, visit www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/methods.

What to Expect During Construction

• Noise, Vibration and Dust are significant and will disrupt normal neighborhood activity.
• Traffic Delays will occur in and near the work area. Please observe traffic control signs and follow the directions of flaggers.
• Driveway Access to your property will be maintained, but construction may impact normal use of your driveway or entrance to your business.
• On‐street parking will be restricted in and near the work zones to create a safe work environment and to stage equipment and materials.
• Sewer, water, and other utilities will remain in service during construction.
• Equipment Storage: Some equipment and materials may be stored on your street or nearby streets overnight.
• Schedule Changes and Inactivity: construction schedule is subject to change due to a variety of factors, including conditions underground, subcontractor schedules, and availability of materials. These same variables may cause periods of inactivity between construction phases.

For more information

If you would like more information about the project or have questions and concerns you’d like to discuss, please call or email:

Debbie Caselton
Community Outreach
Phone: 503-823-2831
Email: Debbie.Caselton@portlandoregon.gov

Please include your name, property address and project name (Sunnyside North) in your voicemail and email so we can provide you more details about what to expect in front of your property. Also, please write "Sunnyside North" in the subject line of your email.