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Label:
Sewer and stormwater
Label:
Completed
Environmental Services is nearing completion on a project to repair damage to the Balch Creek Trash Rack in Lower Macleay Park. This project will help prevent flooding and erosion and protect important city infrastructure from damage.
Crews will begin mobilizing on to the site during the first week of June. We expect that work will take 6-8 weeks to complete.
The Balch Creek Trash Rack collects sediment, large logs, and other woody debris that Balch Creek carries down from the steep forested area surrounding the Lower Macleay Trail in Forest Park. This large structure catches floating debris before it enters the storm sewer pipe that carries water from Balch Creek to the Willamette River. A new trash rack structure was completed in 2022.
In 2025, after the reconstruction of the trash rack system, large storms caused debris buildup on that led to streambank and streambed erosion. Environmental Services is repairing and reinforcing the areas of concern to prevent this issue in the future.
Location
This is located in Lower Macleay Park in NW Portland, under the Thurman Street Bridge.
What's Happening Now?
Construction is underway and progressing quickly. We expect construction to be completed in mid July. Final project clean up and closeout may extend later into the summer.
Week of July 14
- Set new steel pre-rack.
- Clean up and restore the site.
Rest of July
- Some minor clean up and restoration work will continue through July
Winter 2026/27
- Crews will visit the site during the winter planting season to complete plantings.
Trail Access
Access to the Lower Macleay Trail will be maintained throughout the project. You may experience delays while equipment crosses the trail near the construction site. Please obey flaggers and signs and stay well away from all equipment and construction activity.
What to Expect During Construction
Construction creates noise, vibration, and dust and can disrupt normal neighborhood activity. We want you to be safe around the work site. Please keep children, pets, bikes, cars, and trucks away from the tools, machines, supplies, and construction workers. To learn more about what to expect during construction, please visit www.portland.gov/bes/WhatToExpect.
General construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some Saturday construction if needed.
We Want to Hear from You
The following resources will help you stay informed and report concerns:
- Project Updates: To receive email or text message updates for this project, we encourage you to sign up now at Portland.gov/bes/signup.
- Questions: Contact Aaron Abrams at Aaron.Abrams@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-2827.
- In the event of a sewer backup or basement flooding: Call the Maintenance hotline immediately at 503-823-1700. It is staffed all hours and all days, 24/7