Portland Water crews will begin work at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 21, to repair a water main break at SE 82nd Ave. and Ellis St.

To assess and repair the damaged water pipe, crews must shut down one northbound lane and one southbound lane of SE 82nd Ave for several hours. (One northbound lane and one southbound lane on SE 82nd Ave. will remain open.) Foster Road will remain open in both directions.

Crews aim to have all lanes of SE 82nd Ave. open in time for the Friday morning commute. The duration of the lane closures is an estimate that is subject to change with information gathered after excavation and assessment of the main break.

The main is an eight-inch cast iron pipe from 1952.

Approximately 10 houses or businesses on 82nd Ave. may be out of service while the main is repaired.

The traveling public is reminded to stay alert and use caution as traffic may suddenly slow or stop. To avoid traffic delays, motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes around the work site.

Portland Water’s Maintenance & Construction crews are ready to respond to emergencies, including water main breaks, 24-hours a day, seven days a week. On average, crews respond to 200 main breaks a year.