Project Area
The project is located on North River Street between Albina and Interstate avenues.
What's Happening Now
In preparation for construction work crews will be in the project area to perform investigative activities. Activities include site visits and evaluation, survey, soil sampling, utility locates, pipe cleaning and inspection. Learn more about pre-construction activities.
Night Work Required
While most work will occur during the day only, BES has been granted a noise variance to allow up to ten (10) nights of construction to complete the sewer work under the railroad tracks as efficiently as possible. Performing this work both day and night is a condition of the City’s agreement with Union Pacific Railroad.
Nighttime construction hours will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. Crews may also work on Saturdays and Sundays if necessary.
Night Work Construction Method
Crews will use multiple construction methods to complete work. Construction will require the use of trucks, excavators, loaders, generators, pumps, saws, paving equipment, and lighting for crews to work when it’s dark.
To install sewer pipes beneath the railroad tracks, crews will use a method called pipe ramming. This process involves using a heavy-duty tool to drive a steel pipe into the ground with repeated impacts, similar to the sound of a jackhammer. It can be loud at times.
Questions and Concerns
If you have questions or concerns during night work hours, you can call the Environmental Services nightwork hotline at 503-823-1338. You can also contact the Portland Noise Control Office at 503-823-7350 or noise@portlandoregon.gov.
If you have questions or concerns about the project during regular business hours, please contact Matt Gough at 503-823-5352 or matthew.gough@portlandoregon.gov. Environmental Services will also forward any noise-related comments to the Noise Office.
Construction Methods
Crews will use multiple construction methods to complete work. Construction will require the use of trucks, excavators, loaders, generators, pumps, saws, paving equipment, and lighting for crews to work when it’s dark.
To install sewer pipes beneath the railroad tracks, crews will use a method called pipe ramming. This process involves using a heavy-duty tool to drive a steel pipe into the ground with repeated impacts, similar to the sound of a jackhammer. It can be loud at times. Pipe ramming is especially useful for shallow underground installations, making it the best choice for this project under the railroad tracks and nearby roads.
What's Happening Now
In preparation for construction work crews will be in the project area to perform investigative activities. Activities include site visits and evaluation, survey, soil sampling, utility locates, pipe cleaning and inspection. Learn more about pre-construction activities.
What to Expect During Construction
Daytime construction hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nighttime construction hours will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. Crews may also work on Saturdays and Sundays if necessary.
You can expect the following activities to occur during construction hours:
- Noise, vibration, and dust
- Traffic delays
- Parking restrictions
- Equipment storage overnight
- Continued sewer service during work hours
- Maintained access to your home or business
A brief guide on what you can expect during construction projects conducted by Environmental Services and their contractors can be found at portland.gov/bes/constructionimpacts.
We Want to Hear from You.
Environmental Services will inform residents and businesses about project activities and respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner. We encourage you to:
- Visit this project webpage regularly for updates.
- With questions or comments, please contact Matt Gough by email or phone 503-823-5352.
- If you have a question or concern, please be sure to include your name, property address, and project name (North River Sewer Project) in your voicemail and email so we can provide you more details about what to expect in front of your property.
- If your basement sewer backs up or your property or street floods, please report it immediately to the City’s Maintenance Operations hotline at 503-823-1700. It is staffed 24/7, all hours and all days.
Sign Up for Updates
Sign up for periodic email or text message updates 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 Williamette River Watershed.