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Label:
Water
Label:
Under construction
The Portland Water Bureau is building a new water filtration facility and pipelines that will be key components of a more resilient water system. The filtration facility and pipelines are needed to meet federal and state drinking water regulations.
2019-2029
We're working to build the new water filtration facility and pipelines safely and efficiently. Construction started in 2024 and is planned to be complete in 2029. Work is underway at the filtration facility, raw water pipeline/tunnel, and finished water intertie/pipeline sites. Work is also happening in parts of the public right-of-way related to pipeline construction.
This webpage is updated regularly to reflect new information about project construction activities.
Traffic impacts happening now
No construction activities are planned Saturday September 5-Monday September 7 in observance of Labor Day.
Temporary traffic controls include:
- Lusted Road (just north of county line) through September 14, 2026: Closure during work hours with two-way traffic managed by temporary traffic signals outside work hours. During work hours, residents will be able to travel either north or south of the closure. Through traffic will be detoured to Dodge Park Boulevard and Cottrell Road. After work hours, through traffic will be managed by temporary traffic signals.
- Dodge Park Boulevard (between Cottrell Road and about 1500 feet east of the intersection) through October 31, 2026: Single-lane restriction with flagging during work hours. After work hours, normal traffic will resume.
What to expect:
- Local and emergency access will be maintained
Controlled blasts during pipeline shaft excavation
Our contractors are using some scheduled, controlled blasts to excavate the pipeline shaft in the southeast corner of the filtration facility site. Each blast lasts a few seconds and noise and vibration during each blast is monitored. Safety measures are in place throughout the work and all controlled blasts have been within safety standards.
Five controlled blasts have occurred. One to two more blasts are anticipated. Controlled blasts will be scheduled on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and may be spaced over several weeks. Dates and times are subject to change depending on progress.
Project neighbors can sign up for pre-blast notices at portland.gov/brtpnews (be sure to check the "Alerts about tunnel blasting" box at the top of the Sign up for text notifications).
For additional noise safety information:
Other work happening now
Work hours are between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Deliveries and work to prepare or secure the sites for the day may occur outside of these hours. Work schedules are subject to change depending on weather and other field conditions.
Filtration facility site:
A new water filtration facility will be located at 35320 Carpenter Lane. The facility is being built on a 95-acre site and will be able to filter up to 135 million gallons of water per day.
Current work activities:
- Ongoing construction traffic traveling to and from the site, including bussing for more than 400 craftworkers
- Delivering equipment and materials to the site
- Placing about 1,000 cubic yards of concrete each week for treatment process areas and buildings
- Installing structural steel and masonry walls for buildings
- Installing new water pipeline at the facility site
- Excavating 237-foot-deep raw water pipeline shaft at southeast corner of facility site
- Ongoing stormwater management and erosion control
- Lighting for safety and maintenance activities
- As needed street sweeping
- Ongoing 24/7 site security
Emergency access road:
An emergency access road will be located between Bluff Road and the southeast corner of the filtration facility property.
Current work activities:
- Excavating the current access road and installing a new subgrade
Raw water tunnel/pipeline site:
New "raw" water pipelines will be installed underground (about 370 feet of pipe has been installed so far). The pipelines will connect to existing water conduits at Lusted Road, then tunnel under the hill following a Water Bureau easement to the filtration facility.
Current work activities:
- Excavating two 1,245-foot raw water pipeline tunnels
- Repaving Lusted Road work area near the county line
- Ongoing stormwater management and erosion control
- Noise and vibration through summer
Finished water pipeline route:
New "finished" water pipelines will be installed underground (about 10,000 feet of pipe has been installed so far). From the filtration facility, the pipeline follows Dodge Park Boulevard, then crosses a Water Bureau easement to the intertie facility. From the intertie facility, new pipelines will follow Lusted Road, then Altman Road to connect with existing water conduits near Pipeline Road and Oxbow Drive.
Current work activities:
- Delivering equipment and materials to the work areas
- Installing new water pipeline on the south shoulder of Dodge Park Boulevard
- Installing vaults and other pipe appurtenances in the Water Bureau's easement between Lusted Road and Dodge Park Boulevard
- Ongoing stormwater management and erosion control
- As needed street sweeping
Finished water intertie site:
A new intertie facility will be located at 33444 Lusted Road (concrete work for the underground vault is complete).
Current work activities:
- Installing pipe supports inside the new facility
- Ongoing stormwater management and erosion control
Traffic impacts coming up
Note some planned traffic restrictions are pending county approval.
Altman Road (between Oxbow Drive and Pipeline Road) 24/7 single-lane restriction with south-only traffic—estimated September 21-30, 2026
Planned Oxbow Dr/Altman Rd intersection closure in October and November 2026 with through traffic detoured to Pipeline, Lusted, and Hosner roads. Oxbow Drive/Altman Road 24/7 intersection closure with through traffic detoured to Pipeline Road or Hosner Road—estimated October 1-29 and November 2-25, 2026
- Oxbow Drive/Altman Road intersection 24/7 closure with through traffic detoured to Pipeline, Lusted, and Hosner—estimated October 1-29, and November 2-25, 2026
- Dodge Park Boulevard (between Altman Road and Cottrell Road) single-lane restriction with flagging during work hours—estimated October 1, 2026-December 24, 2026
- Bluff Road (at Proctor Road and 362nd Avenue intersection) single-lane with two-way flagging—estimated mid-November-early December 2026
- Altman Road/Pipeline Road intersection and Altman Road (between Pipeline Road and Oxbow Drive) closure—estimated November 26, 2026-January 5, 2027
- Altman Road (between Oxbow Drive and Lusted Road) local access only closure during work hours with one-way traffic outside work hours—estimated start January 2027-June 2027
- Lusted Road (near intertie facility east of Altman Road/Lusted Road intersection) closure during installation of pipeline crossing under roadway—estimated start July 2027
- Cottrell Road (between Dodge Park Boulevard and Lusted Road) local access only closure with one-way traffic outside work hours—estimated start June 2027-September 2027
Prioritizing safety
We're taking care to prioritize safety for both the community and workers. This includes a safety first philosophy in construction work zones, using appropriate traffic controls when work is occurring in the right-of-way, and ongoing communication to provide notice of construction activities to neighbors and commuters.
All drivers are required to follow posted speed limits and other rules of the road. The posted speed limit is reinforced near the filtration site access at Carpenter Lane with a radar speed feedback sign and "spot checks" to confirm compliance. Our contractors reinforce safety protocols and expectations as part of mandatory training for all crew members and through regular construction meetings. Based on severity and/or number of the violations, violators may be removed from the project.
Stay safe near work zones
Work zones play a crucial role by providing a safe area for workers and a safe route for all road users. We ask the community to be aware and play an active role in keeping work zones safe.
- Slow down and stay alert: Slow down and avoid tailgating. Speed is a major factor in crashes. Be alert to changing traffic patterns and congestion.
- Obey warning signs and traffic controls: Follow work zone warnings, traffic control signs, and flaggers. They are there for your safety and signs apply to everyone traveling through – whether the person is walking, biking, rolling or driving.
- Keep a safe distance: Stay clear of equipment and crews at work. When possible carefully move over to give workers more room between them and your vehicle.
- Use an alternate route when possible: When you can, avoid roads with posted work zones.
- Expect delays and be kind: Our goal is to move people through our work zone safely, while also completing our construction work efficiently. We appreciate your understanding.
Frequently asked construction questions
How long will construction take?
We are working to bring the new facility online and begin serving filtered Bull Run drinking water to our customers in 2029.
The City of Portland signed a Bilateral Compliance Agreement with the Oregon Health Authority that requires us to begin delivering filtered water by September 30, 2029.
What are the typical hours for construction?
Construction work hours are typically between 7 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday. Deliveries and work to prepare or secure the facility site for the day may occur outside of these hours.
How can I stay up to date?
Visit our construction webpage (portland.gov/FiltrationConstruction) or sign up to get project e-news updates or construction traffic text notices (portland.gov/BRTPnews). We also publish traffic information on Oregon Department of Transportation’s "TripCheck" site (tripcheck.com). You can also join us at upcoming events (including monthly neighbor meetings).
What types of traffic controls are being used during construction?
Our construction traffic control plans focus on traffic safety and minimizing disruption for the local community. Typical traffic control measures include identifying flagging needs, detour routes, and provision for local and emergency access. We ask the community to help keep work zones safe by slowing down and staying alert, obeying warning signs and traffic controls, and using an alternate route when possible.
Are there safety measures in place for pedestrians and cyclists?
We're committed to the safety of the community. Typical traffic safety steps include using signage, flagging, and other traffic controls to move people (whether walking, biking, rolling, or driving) through our work zones safely while also completing construction efficiently.
Will there be traffic closures? How will they be noticed?
Single-lane and full road closures will be needed at times to allow for pipeline installation and other work to occur in or near the public right-of-way. We notice planned closures using our project webpage, e-news and text updates, as well as doorhangers, mailings, and other outreach where appropriate. We have work zone signage and traffic controls where work is occurring.
Will there be detours? How will they be marked?
When closures are needed, we coordinate with County transportation to identify the appropriate detour routes for through traffic. The detour routes are identified with signage and noticed using the project construction webpage, e-news updates, and ODOT TripCheck.
Will construction affect access to area homes and businesses?
Our contractors will maintain property access for local residents and business owners. Where work is occurring near area businesses, our contractors will also post “open for business” signs. We will continue reaching out directly to affected property owners and businesses to coordinate as needed throughout construction.
Can emergency vehicles access the area during construction?
We will maintain access for emergency vehicles throughout construction. We're coordinating regularly with emergency response services to make sure they have emergency contacts and current information about planned closures and other traffic impacts in the project area.
Will construction affect school bus routes or stops?
We're coordinating regularly with area schools and bus providers to share information about planned construction activities, provide notice of scheduled traffic impacts, and make accommodation where possible to limit disruption for student bus riders living in the project area. We're also instructing contractors to avoid school zones prior to and just after start and end times of schools when in session.
Specific schools and times that will be avoided include:
| School | Street | Extent | Construction Traffic Type | Avoidance Hours1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon Trail Academy | Proctor Rd | Bluff Rd to Dodge Park Blvd | All | All |
| Oregon Trail Academy | Bluff Rd | Just east of 352nd Ave to Bear Creek Ln | Trucks and craft labor commuters | 7:15-8:15 am 2:15-3:15 pm |
| Kelso Elementary | Kelso Rd | Orient Dr to Eklund Ave | All | All |
| Sam Barlow High | Lusted Rd | 282nd Ave to 302nd Ave | Trucks | All |
| Sam Barlow High | Lusted Rd | 282nd Ave to 302nd Ave | Craft labor commuters | 7:05-9:05 am 2:00-3:00 pm |
| Sam Barlow High | 302nd Ave | Lusted Rd to Chase Rd | Trucks | All |
| Sam Barlow High | 302nd Ave | Lusted Rd to Chase Rd | Craft labor commuters | 7:05-9:05 am 2:00-3:00 pm |
| Sam Barlow High | 302nd Ave | Lusted Rd to Chase Rd | Trucks | All |
| Sam Barlow High | 302nd Ave | Lusted Rd to Chase Rd | Craft labor commuters | 7:05-9:05 am 2:00-3:00 pm |
| East Orient Elementary | 302nd Ave | Dodge Park Blvd to Bluff Rd | All | All |
| West Orient Middle | Short Rd | Dodge Park Blvd to Orient Dr | All | All |
| West Orient Middle | Orient Dr/ Bluff Rd | SE Short Rd to SE 302nd Ave | Trucks | All |
| West Orient Middle | Orient Dr/ Bluff Rd | SE Short Rd to SE 302nd Ave | Craft labor commuters | 8:35-10:35 am 3:05-4:05 pm |
| Kelly Creek Elementary | Baker Way/ 24th St | SE Williams Dr to SE Chase Rd | All | All |
1 Avoidance hours are based on 30 minutes before and after school start and end times shown on district websites at the time of this decision. Applicant will update avoidance hours annually prior to the start of each school year, or more frequently if notified by the districts, to reflect any changes made by the district to start and/or end times. Any resulting updates will be consistent with the 30-minute periods described above.
Will the roads be improved before, during, or after construction?
We've improved several local roads to help provide safe access for project construction traffic and other road users. Completed improvements to roads being used as construction haul or detour routes, include:
- Carpenter Lane from Cottrell Road east to the facility site construction access.
- Altman Road between the county line and Oxbow Drive.
- 347th Avenue/Cottrell Road between Bluff Road and Lusted Road.
- Lusted Road between Altman Road and Pleasant Home Road.
- Hosner Road between Lusted Road and Oxbow Drive.
Some new pipelines are being installed in the public right-of-way, including along Dodge Park Boulevard, Lusted Road, Altman Road, and Cottrell Road. These segments of roadway will be restored after the pipeline installation is complete.
We'll continue maintaining truck haul routes within the Multnomah County project area as defined through the land use process (see map). We're monitoring the condition of these roads during project construction and will take corrective action as needed in coordination with the County. If sediment is inadvertently tracked off-site, we'll continue to use a street sweeper as necessary to clean the haul routes within the project study area. Maintenance of other roads will continue to be the responsibility of the local jurisdiction.
In addition to paving improvements, we've also cleared vegetation as necessary at intersections in the project area to maintain site distance.
What haul roads will construction trucks use? How are those identified?
Project construction trucks are using a variety of haul routes to travel to and from the facility and pipeline sites as identified in the map (below). These routes are signed in the field and provided to construction truck drivers as part of our project training.
Where will the project be importing fill from?
We will be using a number of aggregate sources to supply the projects. Currently, we have materials coming from sources in Gresham, Sherwood, Canby, Brightwood, and Wauna, Oregon. Different subcontractors have different preferred sources and negotiated rates, and different project elements have different requirements, so sources will vary throughout the project.
Where is excavated soil from the facility site going?
Contractors are taking clean soils excavated from the facility site to a permitted fill site near Vancouver, Washington and a site near Lusted and Cottrell Roads. Additional locations for excavated soil disposal will be added in the future.
What are you doing to minimize traffic delays?
We’ve instructed our contractors to prioritize getting emergency vehicles, farm traffic, and school buses through work zones as quickly as feasible. During construction, we're following our County-approved Transportation Demand Management Plan that provides specific methods the contractor must follow to make sure roads in the project area continue to meet the County’s level of service standards. This includes bussing for craftworkers commuting to the facility site.
We ask community members to help us minimize potential delays from work zone closures by using alternate routes when possible. If you need to travel through a work zone with traffic controls, please follow the traffic signs and directions from flaggers to help keep the flow of traffic moving safely. To stay up to date on traffic closures, please subscribe to our e-news and text updates or visit our project webpage.
Who do I contact if there is an issue with construction traffic?
If you have a question or concern about project construction, please let us know by emailing bullrunprojects@portlandoregon.gov or calling 503-823-1505. Our communication team will respond as soon as possible, typically within two business days.
How is dust during facility construction being addressed?
Our construction dust management at the facility site includes practices such as establishing temporary gravel roads, using water trucks during the dry season and as needed, covering or watering stockpile areas as needed, and using wheel washes for construction trucks exiting the project site.
What will typical pipeline construction look like?
We're installing most of the new water pipeline using open cut trenching. Crews complete this work in segments, starting with excavation, then pipelaying and backfilling (see photos below). We're using trenchless methods (tunneling) for some of the new water pipeline. We'll restore road surfaces and property along the routes after construction.
Good neighbor commitment
We're committed to being a good neighbor throughout the life of the Bull Run Filtration Project. This includes ongoing outreach to share information about project progress and invite feedback. We also used input from the community to develop a Good Neighbor Agreement that will help make sure neighbors’ concerns are considered through design and construction and into ongoing operations.
Stay up to date:
- Sign up to receive Bull Run Filtration Project:
- Find upcoming events (including monthly neighbor meetings)
- Learn about the Good Neighbor Agreement
- Contact us:
Construction contracting
MWH-Kiewit (a joint venture with MWH Constructors and Kiewit) is the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) for the filtration facility.
Bull Run Conveyance Partners (a joint venture with James W. Fowler Co. and MWH Constructors) is the CM/GC for the pipelines.
Visit the construction workforce webpage to learn more about sub-contracting opportunities.