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The City of Portland, Oregon

Portland Bureau of Transportation

Phone: 503-823-5185

Fax: 503-823-7576

1120 SW Fifth Ave, Suite 1331, Portland, OR 97204

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News Advisory: City advises residents to pickup leaves, keep streets and storm drains clear and safe

(October 21, 2014) –   It’s time to bring out the rakes.  With heavy rain and gusty winds predicted for late tonight and early Wednesday, the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation is asking Portlanders to keep streets and storm drains clear of fallen leaves.

Portland’s urban forest brings great beauty and benefits – from clean air and water to increased property values and free shade. But with trees come leaves – and when they fall in an urban environment, it's necessary to clean them up. 

From now through mid-December, removing leaves from our streets is critical because letting them stay on the street can clog storm drains, flood intersections and make streets slippery. The City has 58,000 storm drains and asks the public to help in keeping them clear.  

The City of Portland Bureau of Transportation is offering these storm tips:

 Simply sweep leaves up and  place them in your yard debris roll cart for easy pickup.

  • Please do not sweep leaves  into the street- that creates a hazard for travelers as leaves get smashed and create a slick surface
  • If a storm drain floods and clearing the surface doesn’t work, call the Transportation Bureau’s dispatch line 24/7 at 503-823-1700. We will send a crew to clear the storm  drain.
  • For residents near Fanno Creek and Johnson Creek, the Transportation Bureau has stocked two locations with sand and bags for winter weather.  Those locations are at Gabriel Park andLents Park and are self-service.
  • The City’s Leaf Day Pickup      Service, which offers a one or two day pickup service in neighborhoods   with a heavy concentration of street trees, begins November 2 and runs through December 17. The Leaf Day schedule and additional information may be  found at www.Portlandoregon.gov/leafday.

More information on storm drains may be found at: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/319801

Contact:

Diane Dulken, Portland Bureau of Transportation

503-823-5552, c: 503-577-8236

diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov