The Carolina Trunk is a large sewer pipe pipe - essentially a 3-4 foot wide tunnel located very deep underground. This pipe is showing signs of deterioration and needs to be repaired. These repairs will extend the service life of the trunk by 50 years or more, increase sewer resiliency to earthquake damage, and help protect public health and the community by preventing sewage releases to buildings and streets.
Project Area
The project area is located in S Portland, between S Barbur Blvd and S Macadam Ave.
What's Happening Now
Project engineers have identified a project approach and are working to complete the project design. The new design approach will decommission the existing trunk sewer. This trunk sewer is in a very deteriorated condition, has very few access points for maintenance workers, and is located on private properties.
New pipes will be built in SW Slavin Road to carry storm and sanitary sewer flows. These new pipes will provide increased capacity and service for many decades to come.
Site Investigations – Some Night Work to Occur Throughout Project Design
Environmental Services crews and contractors will be conducting site investigation and evaluations throughout the project area during the late 2023 and in to 2024.
Potholing and geotechnical investigations will occur in streets and public rights-of-way. In some limited cases, work will need to take place at night to minimize traffic impacts and conduct our work safely. Environmental Services has been granted a noise permit to conduct these activities.
During potholing, crews dig small holes to locate utilities near the sewer line. During geotechnical investigations, crews drill holes to learn about soil conditions underground. When potholing and geotechnical investigations are complete, crews fill the holes and restore the area. For details, visit the preconstruction information webpage.
Night Work Noise Complaints
To report a complaint about construction noise at night during this work, please contact the BES night work line at 503-823-1338.
We Want To Hear From You
We would like to hear from you about special events, school activities, and community services in your neighborhood you think may be impacted by this project. Also, we want to know if you have any concerns related to business operations, disability or mobility issues, medical or business deliveries, and proposed night work. Your input will help us minimize the impact to your neighborhood during construction.
Sign Up For Project Updates
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:
Project Updates: To receive email or text message updates for this project, sign up now at Sign Up for BES Project Updates. Updates provided through our free GovDelivery subscription service are the best way to stay informed about what’s happening and what to expect. You can also sign up for bulletins on other projects and topics
Questions: Contact Aaron Abrams at Aaron.Abrams@portlandoregon.gov or call 503-823-2827.
Sewer Emergency: Call 503-823-1700 immediately. The City Maintenance hotline is staffed all hours, all days (24/7).