The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services is continuing our work to repair and replace critical sewer and stormwater infrastructure. Environmental Services will continue to provide information and updates on construction schedules and activities during the COVID-19 emergency. 

Updated August 20, 2020

Environmental Services – your sewer and stormwater utility – has began construction on a project to repair about 500 feet of large public sewer pipe under NE Hancock Street and NE Grand Avenue (see map). This section of sewer pipe is showing signs of deterioration due to age. The project will protect public health, property and the environment by reducing the possibility of sewage releases to homes, businesses, and streets.

General Schedule

Construction began in mid-July, 2020, and is expected to be complete by the end of September. Please keep in mind that schedules may change due to a variety of factors such as weather and subcontractor availability.

Construction Hours

Most work will occur from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the same hours on Saturday if necessary. Crews will also need to work two night shifts to complete the repairs. Scroll down to learn more about night work.

Construction Methods  

This project will include both trenchless and trench excavation construction methods: 

• Cured-in-Place-Pipe Lining (CIPP) to repair the main sewer pipe
• Sawcutting and jackhammering to install cleanouts in some locations 
• Digging trenches to replace some sewer service lateral connections to buildings 

Go to www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/constructionmethods to learn more.

What to Expect During Construction

You can expect the following activities and impacts during construction:

• Expect traffic delays in and near the work zone.
• On-street parking will be temporarily removed in and near the work zone during work hours.
• Equipment and materials may be stored on  streets overnight.
• Sewer, water, and other utilities are expected to remain in service during construction.
• Construction creates noise, vibration, and dust and may disrupt normal neighborhood activity.

Night Work 

Most work will be completed during regular work hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays as needed. However, crews will need to work two night shifts in order to complete main sewer pipe repairs using CIPP.

During CIPP, crews insert a flexible liner inside the old pipe. The liner is inflated to press the outer portion firmly against th­­­e inside wall of the old pipe. The liner is exposed to heat or ultraviolet light (UV) to “cure” the pipe.  During curing, the liner gradually hardens against the inside of the old pipe forming a rigid, smooth surface that seals cracks and restores the old pipe to near-new condition.

Due to the large diameter of the pipe being repaired near you, it will take about 16 hours or more to complete the CIPP process, allow the liner to fully cure, and to clean up. This will require working from morning into the evening and possibly overnight.  Equipment that will generate noise in the evening and at night includes sewer cleaning trucks, refrigeration trucks that store the liner, compressors, light trucks, generators, pumps, and ventilation fans. Work after dark will require lighting of the work zone. 

Survey Work

Crews will be in the neighborhood periodically to locate and mark underground utilities by painting stripes on streets and sidewalks or placing colored flags in landscaped areas. Each color indicates what is buried below. Blue for water, yellow for natural gas, green for sewer, etc. Please visit www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/preconstruction for a list and description of other activities that may occur in preparation for construction.

For More Information

Please sign up now to receive updates by emailing Matthew.Gough@portlandoregon.gov with “Grand Hancock” in the subject line. We will send periodic updates on project schedule and traffic information. Let us know if you have concerns such as business operations, disability issues or medical or business deliveries.