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 May 7, 2020

Environmental Services – your sewer and stormwater utility – will start construction soon on a project to repair about 450 feet of large public sewer pipe under SW Barbur Boulevard and SW Slavin Road (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.

Schedule

Construction is anticipated to begin in mid to late June and will be completed in phases over the summer and early fall 2020.

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.

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. Please visit www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/preconstruction for a description of additional 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 “Barbur Slavin” 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.