Traffic Advisory: N Mississippi Avenue urgent sewer repairs to begin January 5; expect travel impacts, businesses open

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Construction begins next week on an urgent sewer repair project on N Mississippi Avenue that will affect travel on the three blocks between N Fremont and Shaver  streets. Construction is scheduled during weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays if needed. 

North Mississippi Ave Urgent Sewer Capacity Project Map

Environmental Services – the City of Portland’s sewer and stormwater utility – is replacing and expanding the size of a 100-year-old sewer main pipe that is deteriorating and is too small for the area. The project will increase sewer capacity to reduce street flooding and sewer backups to area basements. Those upgrades are needed to protect public health, property, and the environment. 

The traveling public is advised to expect some travel delays and street closures and to follow all traffic control signage. Sidewalks will remain open for pedestrian, wheelchair, and bicycle use.

To minimize impacts to businesses and travelers, Environmental Services is staging construction to occur one block at a time, beginning on N Fremont and proceeding north.  To further reduce impacts to the area, crews are avoiding digging up the road for a portion of the project between N Failing and Fremont, instead using an underground construction method called pipe bursting. The project, including two new pipe additions on N Shaver Street and N Failing Street, is expected to be complete in five months.

Environmental Services encourages the public to support local businesses during this time. Many N. Mississippi Avenue stores and restaurants will be open and accessible for pickup and delivery of food and drink. Some pickup areas may be on the adjacent side streets of N. Fremont, Beech, Failing and Shaver.

Environmental Services delayed construction, which had been scheduled for this past summer, to support businesses during the pandemic’s Phase I reopening, and to support the rollout of PBOT’s Healthy Business Program. Environmental Services will continue to coordinate and support area businesses during this urgent sewer repair project.

See project updates.

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The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services - your sewer and stormwater utility - provides Portland residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration.  Follow on Twitter - @BESPortland.