NOTE:  THE SPRINGWATER CORRIDOR WILL BE CLOSED TO THROUGH TRAFFIC AT OAKS BOTTOM FROM JULY 9 TO OCTOBER 31 FOR CONSTRUCTION.  FOR INFORMATION ON POSSIBLE ALTERNATE OPTIONS, PLEASE VISIT THE PROJECT IMPACTS SECTION OF THIS PAGE.

BES CONTACT: Ronda Fast, 503-823-4921, Ronda.Fast@portlandoregon.gov

USACE CONTACT: Sarah Bennett, 503-808-4514, Sarah.P.Bennett@usace.army.mil

During the summer of 2018, Bureau of Environmental Services (BES), Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, will work together on a large-scale habitat enhancement project that benefits wildlife in the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.

The project will improve hydrology and habitat for protected wildlife species, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, bats and salmon. Right now, migrating salmon cannot safely access Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge on their journey to the Pacific Ocean because an existing culvert and water control structure blocks fish access into the refuge.

Construction Update - August 2018

The Springwater Corridor trail closure is in effect until October 31st

PROJECT UPDATE: What has happened so far?

•   Crews have installed temporary coffer dams upstream and downstream of the project area to isolate the area from the Willamette River.
•   A fish salvage team collected any fish remaining in the wetland and transported them away from the project area and out of harm’s way.
•   The railroad tracks and ties are temporarily removed and crews have begun excavating the open trench through the berm that will allow for installation of the culvert.
•   A barge will deliver equipment and materials and will also put the prefabricated culvert sections in place.

PROJECT UPDATE: What will happen next?

•   Construction crews will begin to excavate and grade new tidal slough channels to improve hydrology and wetland habitat.
•   Prefabricated culvert sections will be transported to by barge, before being assembled on site.

•   After installation of the culvert, the berm will be re-filled and the tracks and trail replaced.

Project impacts affecting Springwater Corridor Trail

The Springwater Trail at the project site will close between July 9 and October 31, 2018.  

The trail will be OPEN to the wildlife refuge but CLOSED as a through route - crews are cutting through the trail and land underneath it during construction and will replace the trail and adjacent railroad tracks upon completion..

BES worked with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) to identify two main recommended alternate routes during the closure of the corridor. 

• The Willamette Greenway Trail on the west side of the Willamette River
• The new SE 19th Avenue Greenway connecting to the 17th Avenue Bike Lane on the east side of the river

Signage and maps will be distributed to show options so that bicyclists and pedestrians can make informed decisions about alternate routes during the closure.

Pedestrian, bicycle, and auto access to the Oaks Amusement Park and the Oregon Yacht Club floating home community will be maintained throughout the project.

Download the alternate bike routes map here.

Download the pedestrian trails map here.

Stay Informed

BES CONTACT: Ronda Fast, 503-823-4921, Ronda.Fast@portlandoregon.gov

USACE CONTACT: Sarah Bennett, 503-808-4514, Sarah.P.Bennett@usace.army.mil

For more information, click the link above to be added to the project email list.