What's Happening Now
Construction of the lift station is now expected to begin early next year (2026). Environmental Services is coordinating with several jurisdictions on approvals, including a proposed reduction of the speed limit to 30 MPH. These approvals, along with ongoing permit reviews and design adjustments, are taking longer than originally expected.
November 20:
Lumen will be relocating overhead communication lines to a new utility pole.
- Work hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
- Traffic: Expect periodic traffic impacts while crews work on the sewer line along Terwilliger. Please use caution and be mindful of traffic control signage while traveling through the project area.
Project Area
The construction area is in the right-of-way on the east side of S Terwilliger Blvd just north and across from S Northgate Ave.
Traffic Impacts
At least one lane of S Terwilliger Boulevard will remain open adjacent to the project site at all times. During work hours, flaggers will be on site to safely guide and control traffic through the construction area. Notification will be provided in advance if a full closure of Terwilliger is required and detours will be in place.
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.
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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.