Updated October 15, 2020

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.

City of Portland Environmental Services and Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) are collaborating on a project to build a viewing platform next to the Springwater Corridor Trail overlooking the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a 170 acre complex of meadows, woodlands and floodplain wetlands located on the east bank of the Willamette River, just upstream from Ross Island. The refuge is owned by the City of Portland and managed by the PP&R’s Land Stewardship Division. The wetlands located at the southern end of the refuge, including Wapato Marsh, are one of the best places in the heart of the City to view resident and migrating birds that either reside in the refuge or visit annually. The area has also been identified as one of the best areas to for improving salmon habitat along the Willamette River within the City of Portland.

This project is a partnership between PP&R and Environmental Services. The viewing platform will provide nature watching opportunities for the public to enjoy on 75 acres of wetland that was restored in 2018 as part of the Oaks Bottom Culvert Replacement Project.

Location

This project is located next to the Springwater Corridor in the southwest portion of the refuge. See image for project location.

Look-Ahead Schedule

Faison Construction continue to install the railings and the bike rack for the viewing platform and continues to pour seeding and top soil between October 15 and October 25.

General construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some Saturday construction as needed. This project is expected to be completed by the end of October 2020.

Springwater Corridor Limited to One Lane

Construction is taking place next to the Springwater Corridor Trail. The Springwater Corridor Trail may need to be narrowed temporarily near the project site to help keep trail users and construction activities safely separated.

The Springwater Corridor Trail will remain open at all times during construction, but you may experience delays in and near the work area. Please slow down in the construction zone and use caution. If you need assistance, a city inspector will be on-site during work hours and may be able to assist you.

What To Expect During Construction

Learn more about the type of activities that will occur during construction by visiting here, www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/constructionimpacts

Keeping You Informed

For the latest project information update, please consider the following options:

• Website: The latest construction schedule and project updates will be posted at: www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/oaksbottom
• Email Updates: To sign up for email updates, email Stefanus.Gunawan@portlandoregon.gov with “Oaks Bottom Viewing Platform” in the subject line.