Updated September 26, 2019

Portland's Bureau of Environmental Services and Bureau of Transportation have completed design on a joint street, stormwater, and sewer improvement project in southeast Portland and are preparing for construction. This project will improve safety and accessibility of travel while also improving stormwater management and the public sewer system to help protect water quality in local creeks and streams. Working together ensures successful outcomes on plans and projects – including reduced costs, improved efficiency, and enhanced service delivery to customers.

To minimize construction impacts on the public and avoid digging up the street twice, Environmental Services will construct public sewer improvements in advance of the street and stormwater improvements.

The SE Mill Street Sewer Replacement Project will replace and upsize 629 feet of public sewer pipes in SE Mill Street between SE 80th and SE 82nd avenues. The project will also construct two manholes, repair a third manhole, and replace several service laterals that connect private properties to the public sewer. This sewer project will protect public health and the environment by reducing the possibility of sewage releases to buildings and streets.

Location

Sewer construction will occur in SE Mill Street between SE 80th and SE 82nd avenues.

Schedule

Our last public notice anticipated construction beginning this summer; however, construction has been delayed while the City's Office of Procurement Services and the Bureau of Transportation complete contractor negotiations. The construction start date is currently unknown. Adjacent properties will be notified five to ten days before construction begins.

Environmental Services will begin constructing public sewer improvements as soon as possible. It will take up to three months to complete the sewer project. After Environmental Services replaces the sewer pipes, the Bureau of Transportation will then construct street, sidewalk, and stormwater improvements. For Transportation's schedule, contact Mimi Phillips at 503-823-3462 or email Mimi.

Work Hours Include Night Work in 82nd Ave

General construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday as needed. To minimize traffic impacts, the Portland Noise Office granted Environmental Services a noise variance to work at night in the intersection of SE 82nd Avenue. Night work will be from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, and may last up to two weeks.

Construction Method

The construction contractor will use open trench excavation to replace mainline sewer pipes, service laterals, and manholes. This  method involves excavating down to and exposing the existing pipe so that it can be replaced. For more details and photos about this method, click here.

After replacing the sewer pipes, crews will backfill the trenches and apply temporary asphalt patches. Then the Bureau of Transportation will construct their street improvements.

What to Expect During Construction

You can expect the following impacts during construction:

• Traffic Delays: Expect traffic delays in and near the work area.
• Driveway Access: Construction may temporarily block your driveway when crews are working in front of your property.
• No Parking: Little or no on-street parking will be allowed in and near work zones, especially during work hours.
• Equipment Storage: Equipment and materials may be stored on streets overnight.
• Services Maintained: Sewer, water, and other utilities are expected to remain in service during construction.
• Assistance: A city inspector will be on-site during work hours and may be able to assist you with an immediate need during construction.
• Emergency: In case of a sewer backup or basement flooding emergency, contact City Maintenance at 503-823-1700, press 1, and give them the project number E11142. The hotline is staffed all hours and all days.

For More Information

Environmental Services strives to keep residents and businesses informed about construction projects. If you would like more information about the sewer replacement project or have questions and concerns you’d like to discuss, please call or email:

Stefanus Gunawan
Community Outreach
Phone: 503-823-5759
Email: Stefanus.Gunawan@portlandoregon.gov

If you have a concern or question about a pipe repair near you, please be sure to include your name, property address and project name (SE Mill Street) in your voicemail and email so we can provide you more details about what to expect in front of your property. Also, please write "SE Mill" in the subject line of your email. Click SIGN UP to sign up for periodic email updates about the schedule, construction activities, possible traffic detours and delays, parking restrictions, and other impacts.

If you have a concern or question about the Portland Bureau of Transportation's Local Improvement District (LID) Project, contact Mimi Phillips at 503-823-3462 or email Mimi.