See something we could improve on this page? Give website feedback.
Label:
Sewer and stormwater
Label:
Active
Environmental Services is constructing a project to install a sanitary lift station and 32 feet of sewer pipe on S Terwilliger Boulevard just north of S Northgate Avenue. Unstable ground conditions pose a risk of the pipe failing. This project will address this.
Construction activities began April 2026 and should be completed by June 2027.
Project Area
The construction area is in the right-of-way on the east side of S Terwilliger Boulevard just north and across from S Northgate Avenue.
Upcoming Work -- July 2026
Over the next several weeks, crews will continue building the underground portion of the pump station by constructing a large underground concrete foundation (called a caisson) and installing the new influent pipe, which carries wastewater from the surrounding sewer system into the facility. Typical work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with Saturday work allowed if needed.
What to Expect
- Heavy equipment and excavation activities.
- Increased truck traffic, including concrete deliveries.
- Higher daytime noise levels for approximately two weeks while crews use a specialized vacuum excavation (vac-ex) truck to safely expose underground utilities before excavation. This equipment is considerably louder than typical construction vehicles but will only operate during regular construction work hours.
- Deep excavation and large concrete pours as crews construct the underground portions of the pump station.
Traffic Impacts
Construction will take place on S Terwilliger Boulevard, and the speed limit in the work area will be reduced to keep everyone safe. At least one lane of traffic will remain open next to the project. During work hours, flaggers will be present to help guide vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists safely through the construction zone.
If a full closure of S Terwilliger Boulevard is needed for a short period, we will notify neighbors in advance and post clearly marked detour routes.
What to Expect During Construction
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
Please let us know if you have a concern or question about future construction near you. Be sure to include your name, property address, and project name (S Terwilliger) in your voicemail and email so we can provide you more details about what to expect in front of your property. Also, please write “S Terwilliger” in the subject line of your email.
- 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, 24/7.
Project Background
In 2017, Environmental Services installed a new sewer line on S Terwilliger Boulevard from S Powers Court to Highway 43. Several months after construction was completed, a sag was discovered in the section located west of S Northgate Avenue (east of Powers Court and west of Castleridge Lane). That section of pipe is not operating according to design standards. It requires frequent and costly cleaning and maintenance, and the pipe is at risk of failing. Engineers suspect that a mix of very soft soils and high groundwater at this location caused the pipe to sag. A sag in a pipe can slow or prevent sewage from moving through the pipe. The ground conditions in this location create a further risk of the pipe failing completely.
What is a Lift Station?
A lift station “lifts” sewage and wastewater up to a higher elevation and discharges it to a new maintenance hole and sewer line. This is different than a pump station, which pumps the sewage and wastewater over some distance through a force main pipe to a treatment plant. The lift station will lift sewage and wastewater up to a new pipe that is in more stable soil. The lift station will be located underground. An electrical control panel and radio antennae will be located above ground, along with a parking space for maintenance access.
Sign Up for Updates
Sign up for weekly email or text message updates for the S Terwilliger Sewer and Lift Station 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 Tryon Creek Watershed.