Update: The cause of the standing water on N Columbia Blvd was determined to be a clogged catch basin and stormwater runoff from I-5, not a sewer backup. The catch basin has been cleared, and the water has receded.
There is no advisory for the Columbia Slough.
Closed lanes of N Columbia Blvd are being reopened. Please travel safely through the area as some crews may still be on-site.
Original News Release:
City crews are responding to the incident near 1250 N Columbia Blvd. Initial reports indicate water and possible sewage have overflowed onto the roadway, with some areas experiencing standing water. The cause of the overflow is still under investigation.
Crews are working to assess and resolve the issue and are evaluating potential impacts to the Columbia Slough, as stormwater in this area drains to the Slough. As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid contact with the Columbia Slough in this area due to the possibility of increased bacteria in the water.
We ask the public to avoid the area and use alternate routes until further notice. Observe all detours and directions by signs, reader boards and flaggers, and use alternate routes if possible. As always, please keep crews safe by following all traffic control signs and flaggers while traveling through or near work zones.