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NE 6th Drive Pump Station Project

Sewer and Stormwater
Active
Environmental Services is constructing a project to expand and remodel the 44-year-old NE 6th Drive Pump Station in the East Columbia neighborhood. The upgrades will modernize equipment, increase system capacity, and protect public health and the environment.
Construction has begun and the entire project should be completed by Fall of 2025.
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Road Closure

NE 6th Drive and Walker Street will be closed to through traffic (local access only) between NE Vancouver Way and Middlefield Road for the duration of the project. This is to allow large equipment access and for the safety of crew members and the public. All properties within that closure will still have access as well as any emergency vehicles.

What to Expect

NE Walker Street and NE 6th Drive will be hard closed from Winter 2024 through the Fall of 2025. Actual construction hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturdays if needed. A detour is directed to NE Middlefield Road, including Tri-Met bus 11

NE 6th Drive Pump Station Simplified Map with Detour

Project Area

The pump station is located on NE 6th Drive between N Vancouver Way and NE Middlefield Road, near the Columbia Children’s Arboretum.

NE 6th Drive Pump Station
The simplified map above displays the work zone for the NE 6th Drive Pump Station Project. Please note, this map is not up to scale.

Different Method to be Proposed

Engineers are working with the construction contractor to propose and evaluate the best method to install the deep piles. A key goal of this project is to improve the pump station’s resiliency to earthquake damage.  Deep supports or “piles” driven into the deep gravels are the most effective way to provide this earthquake resiliency. This is the method that the City of Portland has proposed, but the contractor will be proposing a less invasive method of installing the piles.

Project Background 

The NE 6th Drive Pump Station has not had mechanical, electrical, or control system upgrades since its original construction in 1977. The upgrade will include designing and constructing modern equipment and controls that meet current and future demand on the public sewer system.  

Key upgrades at the pump station location include:  

  • Expansion of the current pump station footprint
  • Improve the earthquake resiliency
  • Upgrade of the sewage pumps to support higher sewage and stormwater input
  • Upgrade of the wet well, which receives sewage from the neighborhood
  • Upgrade of the odor control system
  • Addition of a concrete enclosure for the electrical equipment and an ADA-compliant restroom 

We Want to Hear from You 

Environmental Services will inform businesses and residents about project activities and respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner. Please let us know if you have concerns such as business operations, local access, delivery routes and schedules, or other concerns. 

The latest project information is available through:

  • Questions? Contact city staff at Debbie.Caselton@portlandoregon… or 503-823-2831.
  • Sewer Emergency: 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.

Sign Up for Updates 

Sign up for periodic email or text message updates for the NE 6th Drive Pump Station Upgradethrough 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 Columbia Slough Watershed.


Contact

Debbie Caselton (she/her)

Community Outreach

Neighborhood

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