(April 21, 2016) -- The Portland Bureau of Transportation advises the traveling public that SE Milwaukie Avenue will be closed at SE Reedway Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 22 as crews continue to make repairs to broken underground stormwater lines. Northbound and southbound lanes will be closed. Sidewalks will remain open for bike and pedestrian traffic.
Travelers are encouraged to use alternate routes and avoid SE Milwaukie Avenue between SE McLoughlin Boulevard and SE Bybee Boulevard. Use caution on detour routes, which will direct traffic to nearby residential streets.
Inspections and repairs to address a sinkhole, underground cavities and damage to stormwater lines this week revealed more damage on Thursday than had previously been seen. Underground cavities were found on the west side of the street, in addition to prior damage found on the east side. A stormwater line that conducts water from a storm drain to a main line in the street was found to be damaged.
PBOT has not determined what may have caused the underground cavities and damage to the stormwater infrastructure.
Northbound traffic is detoured to eastbound SE Yukon St to northbound SE 17th Avenue and west on SW Ellis Street to return to SE Milwaukie.
Southbound traffic is detoured to westbound SE Ellis St to southbound SE 15th Avenue to eastbound on SE Ramona St to rejoin Milwaukie Avenue.
View a map of the area: https://goo.gl/maps/tytvLh6jCS62
After the underground repairs are made and the street surface is restored to a safe condition with a temporary surface, the street will be reopened to the traveling public. Travelers are advised to use caution, as the temporary surface may have bumps and other inconsistencies.
Crews will need to return on another day, likely next week, to restore the permanent pavement surface.
For information on possible impacts to TriMet bus service, check trimet.org/alerts.
The traveling public is advised to use alternate routes if possible, expect delays and use caution when traveling in the area.
PBOT conducts emergency repairs to sewer and stormwater lines in the public right of way in Portland.
Underground cavities can be caused by sewer or water line leaks, damage caused by construction crews, water from underground streams or weather events. Small cavities in city streets may be a sign of a larger underground problem. The public is advised to call PBOT's 24-hour dispatch to report sinkholes or other roadway hazards at 503-823-1700.
YouTube videos available:
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8jJCg9GUj8
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni79LY7PWEM
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GCZUNq1EZ8
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgV2-84cD70
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The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the City’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation