Downtown Urgent Sewer Repairs

Environmental Services is constructing urgent repairs to 3,600 feet of 140-year-old public sewer pipes in downtown Portland that are in very poor condition. At a high risk of collapsing, the pipes require repairs to protect buildings, streets, and greenspaces from sewage releases and flooding.

Contact
Cheryl Kuck, Community Outreach
Cheryl.Kuck@portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-5315

 Project Area
The project boundary is SW Ankeny Street to SW Market Street between SW Naito Parkway and SW 12th Avenue.

What’s Happening Now
Remaining work includes installation of top hat liners for two sewer service laterals and pavement restoration. The construction schedule may fluctuate due to weather, conditions underground, subcontractor schedules, materials availability, supply chain delays, and other factors. 

SW Alder Street just east of SW Broadway—February 1–3:
Crews will install a “top hat” liner at this location. This work will not require digging in the street. (Tuesday, February 1)After the top hat passes inspection, crews will complete final pavement restoration of the patched trench from prior work at this location. They’ll grind down the existing surface early Wednesday morning and re-pave on Thursday. (Wednesday–Thursday, February 2–3)

SW Harvey Milk Street just west of SW 6th Avenue – February 1:
Crews will install a “top hat” liner at this location. This work will not require digging in the street.

Note that there is a chance this work will be pushed out to the following week, February 8–10, due to a delay in the shipment of the top hat liners. As of the publication of this project bulletin, the liners have not yet arrived in Portland. Construction Method: The top hat liner installation is trenchless, so there will be no digging in the street or sidewalk. Crews will work at maintenance access holes to insert the liner. A bypass system will be in place to ensure uninterrupted sewer service. The liner is called a “top hat” because it is shaped like a top hat. When installed, it will create a leak-proof connection between the City-maintained mainline public sewer pipe and the private property-maintained sewer lateral pipe. The top hat connection will seal gaps and help prevent tree roots from intruding into the pipe.

What to Expect During Construction
You can expect the following activities and impacts: Work hours will be during the day between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. On-street parking will be removed in the work zone. One travel lane will be restricted to create a safe work zone. Local access will be provided to parking garages, businesses, and all other properties, but you can expect delays. Sidewalks will remain open. Water and sewer services will be maintained without interruption. To avoid circling around construction to find parking, please use SmartPark garages.

Environmental Services will inform residents and businesses about project activities and respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner. The following resources will help you stay informed and report concerns: Visit the project webpage for more details about the project. Learn more about other sewer repair projects in downtown Portland.

Questions or comments: call 503-823-5315, stating that Downtown Urgent Repairs is your area of concern. Outreach staff will return your call by the next business day. To report a sewer emergency or odor concern, call 503-823-1700 immediately. The City Maintenance hotline is staffed 24/7, all hours and all days. Email City outreach staff.