Project Area
The project area is along Grand Avenue between NE Davis and SE Market streets, at riser locations in several intersections. The project area falls within the boundaries of three neighborhoods—Kerns, Buckman, and Hosford-Abernethy.
What's Happening Now
Crews have completed various field investigations to collect information that will help engineers determine what work needs to be done and what methods should be used. Work zones are quiet as the project team finalizes the design, advertises for a contractor to build the project, and prepares for construction.
Night Work Proposed
Environmental Services is proposing to work mostly at night to reduce public impacts and complete the work as quickly as possible. Daytime work hours will be between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays as needed. Nighttime hours will be between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Work is expected to take three to four weeks in each location to stabilize the soil and install temporary paving. The noisiest work is expected to take about a week. Crews will return at a later date to complete final paving of the street.
Equipment to be used overnight will include drilling equipment, light tower trucks, compressors, pumps, generators, asphalt grinders and paving equipment. Details about construction methods, pre-construction activities, and what to expect during construction are available online at www.portland.gov/bes/grandave.
Submit Comments to Noise Office
Portland Noise Code allows construction from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Work after 6 p.m., before 7 a.m., and all hours on Sundays requires a noise variance from the Portland Noise Office. This project will apply for a noise variance to enable the contractor to work both days and nights.
Your comments about the proposal to work both days and nights are valuable. You can submit them by email or telephone. Please submit your comments by Friday, December 22, to the Portland Noise Office at noise@portlandoregon.gov or call 503-823-7350. You may also email Katy Asher at kasher@prrbiz.com, stating that Grand Avenue Riser Stabilization is your project of concern.
What to Expect
You can expect the following activities and impacts:
- Work Duration: When construction starts, crews will perform work during the evening at two sites at a time, and work at each site should last for about three weeks. They will put temporary patches in the paving and return at a later date to grind and repave the work area.
- Night Work: Night work is proposed to improve traffic safety for the traveling public, to improve work zone safety for crews, and to reduce access impacts to adjacent businesses.
- Local Access: Local access will be provided to all properties and driveways. Expect delays.
- Traffic Delays: Expect traffic delays in and near the work area. Please observe traffic control devices and signs and follow the directions of flaggers if present.
- Parking Restrictions: On-street parking will be restricted in and near the work zones to create a safe work environment and to stage equipment and materials.
- Equipment Storage: Some equipment and materials may be stored overnight on your street, nearby streets, or other public right-of-way areas.
- Noise, Vibration, and Dust: Construction creates noise, vibration, and dust.
- Periods of Inactivity: Work could be conducted in multiple phases. A variety of factors, including conditions underground, weather, subcontractor schedules, and availability of materials may cause periods of inactivity.
- Maintained Service: Water and other utilities will remain in service during construction.
Learn more about what to expect during pre-construction and construction.
We Want to Hear from You
Here are several ways you can stay informed and let us know your questions and concerns:
- Project Webpage: Visit this project webpage for updates using the shortcut www.portland.gov/bes/grandave.
- Questions: Contact project outreach staff Katy Asher at kasher@prrbiz.com or206-462-6390. Be sure to include your name, business name, property address, and project name (Grand Ave) in your messages so we can provide you with details about what to expect near your property. Or contact City outreach staff at Cheryl.Kuck@portlandoregon.gov.
- Sewer Emergency: In the event of a sewer backup or basement flooding, call the City Maintenance hotline immediately at 503-823-1700. It is staffed all hours and every day, 24/7.
Project Background
Historic flood areas, underground streams, and construction materials from more than a century ago were buried and filled with a mix of soils and materials that do not match modern engineering standards for underground stability. These conditions have resulted in unstable soils and groundwater flow and infiltration in and around the Southeast Interceptor sewer tunnel deep underground. This project will seek to stabilize the soils and the base of the streets, which will reduce the risk of future soil and pavement settlement and improve traffic safety.
Sign Up for Updates
Sign up for regular email or text message updates for the Grand Avenue Riser Stabilization Project through our free GovDelivery subscription service. These updates 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.
This project will help protect the health of the Willamette River Watershed.