Nine culverts over the nearly three-mile length of Crystal Springs Creek between SE 28th Avenue and the creek's confluence with Johnson Creek inhibit fish passage. Portland's Grey to Green initiative allocated money to replace eight of the culverts. In summer 2012, Environmental Services worked with TriMet's Portland to Milwaukie Light Rail Project and Union Pacific Railroad to replace the ninth culvert, which Union Pacific owns. The new 122-foot long railroad culvert is constructed to carry both Union Pacific trains and light rail trains over the creek. A grant from the East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District helped fund the project.

Crystal Springs Creek's cold water and consistent flow create ideal habitat for steelhead trout and Chinook and coho salmon. Removing barriers to fish passage and enhancing fish habitat aids Portland's endangered species recovery efforts.

Project Partners

TriMet Portland to Milwaukie Light Rail Project

Union Pacific Railroad

East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District

Media

Crystal Springs Creek culvert replaced in effort to help fish, Oregonlive - September 24, 2012

Crystal Springs Creek culvert under U.P. rails celebrated, The Bee - October 4, 2012

Union Pacific, TriMet and Portland officials collaborate on salmon habitat project, Progressive Railroading - August 7, 2012