SE 36th Place Sewer Extension Project

The project will extend approximately 190 lineal feet of sanitary sewer to serve nonconforming sewer properties. Multiple residents in the neighborhood share an ageing party sewer system that is failing, and repairs are needed. Typically, a nonconforming sewer property does not have a separate lateral connection to the City's sewer, or the property's lateral crosses another private property's lot. Public sewer extensions enable property owners to bring their sewer connections into compliance with current City plumbing code. The Nonconforming Sewer Office has contacted homeowners who will be directly impacted by construction. 

The goal of the project is to protect public health, property, and the environment by increasing the capacity of the public sewer system, reducing the potential for basement backups, and preventing the likelihood of costly emergency work in the future. 

Project Area 

The project is located at SE 36th Place between SE Raymond and Schiller Streets. The simplified map below is an illustration of the work zone and shows details on planned sewer improvements. 

View full size image of Simplified map for the SE 36th Place Sewer Extension Project

Text description of SE 36^th Place Sewer Extension Project Map

General Schedule                                                                  

Construction is anticipated to start in late-July of 2026. This work is expected to be completed by November 2026.

What's Happening Now?

Before actual construction starts, work crews will be onsite to perform investigative activities. These activities may include site visits and evaluation, survey, soil sampling, locating utilities, inspection and cleaning pipes, installation of traffic controls and tree protections, staging equipment and materials, and setting up sewer bypass systems to ensure uninterrupted sewer service. These pre-construction activities will occur over time, rather than all at once.

Some investigative activities will require parking restriction and closing travel lanes temporarily. The traveling public should expect minor traffic delays. Information gathered will help engineers determine repair locations, public right-of-way, and what sewer construction methods are best to minimize impacts to residents and businesses. 

Construction Methods

The city contractor will use open trench excavation to construct the public sewer extension and service laterals. Open trench excavation is the traditional method of sewer construction and the most common method for installing a new sewer pipe. It consists of digging down to the required depth, installing a new pipe, and then backfilling the trench. 

What to Expect During Construction

You can expect the following activities and impacts during construction:  

• Noise, Vibration, and Dust: Construction creates noise, vibration, and dust, and disrupts normal neighborhood activity. 
• Equipment Storage: Equipment and materials may be stored on streets overnight. 
• No Parking: Little or no on‐street parking will be allowed in and near work zones, especially during work hours. On days when crews will be in front of your house or nearby, please plan ahead. If you park your vehicle on the street, plan to move it off the street by 7 a.m. and return it at 6 p.m. 
• Traffic Delays: Expect traffic delays in and near the work area. The contractor will develop detailed traffic control plans for each location.
• Pedestrian Access: If temporary crosswalk and sidewalk closures are necessary, signage will indicate the alternate way for pedestrians to proceed. 
• Services Maintained: Sewer, water, and other utilities are expected to remain in service during construction. 
• Garbage Pickup: Access to garbage and recycling bins for haulers will always be maintained. 
• Schedule Changes and Inactivity: Construction schedules can change due to a variety of factors, including conditions underground, weather, traffic impacts, subcontractor schedules, and availability of materials. These same variables may cause periods of inactivity during construction phases. 

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. The following resources will help you stay informed and report concerns:

• Project Webpage: Continue to visit portland.gov/bes/SE36thPl-SE for project details.
• Questions: Call the message line at 503-823-5759 or email city staff, stating that SE 36th Place Sewer Extension Project (E11658) is your project of concern. Outreach staff will follow-up by the next business day.
• 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 all days, 24/7.

Sign Up for Updates

Sign up for periodic email or text message updates for the SE 36th Place Sewer Extension 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.