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Label:
Water
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Active
The Portland Water Bureau is replacing a pump station on 162nd Avenue in East Portland.
Summer 2026
Project overview
The Portland Water Bureau is replacing the 162nd Avenue Pump Station in East Portland. Work will take place on Portland Water Bureau property at 6851 SE 162nd Avenue between SE Flavel Street and SE Henderson Drive. Some site improvements may also be required in the unimproved right-of-way.
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Work in the right-of-way
What is the public right-of-way?
The public right-of-way is the area between properties. It is owned by the public and managed by the City. This is where streets, sidewalks, and most public utilities are located. The right-of-way is not always improved with sidewalks or streets, and it might look the same as the adjacent private property.
The City has the authority to use the right-of-way on behalf of the public, including the area between the street and private property. The size of the right-of-way varies from street to street.
Items in the right-of-way may be removed by construction
Anything in the right-of-way might be removed by City construction workers or contractors. This includes things like irrigation systems, hard landscaping (stone, concrete, pavers, garden boxes, retaining walls, or other materials), soft landscaping (trees, plants, shrubs, flowers, flower beds, grass, bark, or similar items), and other amenities.
If construction removes or damages these kinds of items, the City cannot restore or replace them. However, once construction is complete, the City will repair or replace sidewalks and curbs as needed.
Report an Obstruction on a Street, Sidewalk or Other Right-of-Way
How to identify a City of Portland utility worker
If the Water Bureau needs to turn off water to your property or communicate with you about your water service, an employee may knock on your door. They will not need to enter your home or business to turn off the water. This happens outside at your water meter. You do not need to open the door.
City of Portland workers will:
- Wear clothing or gear (like high-visibility vests or helmets) with bureau or City of Portland names and logos
- Arrive in vehicles with bureau or City of Portland names and logos
- Have a City of Portland identification card (not all City workers carry this, but many do)
- Knock on your door to notify you of work or leave informational handouts
- Coordinate with property owners or construction contractors in advance if they need to enter a private building
City of Portland workers will not:
- Enter a private building without permission
- Ask you to leave your home
Happening now
Last updated May 29, 2026
Crews are almost ready to begin working on Water Bureau property.
During this mobilization phase, crews will:
- Bring equipment to the site and set up construction fencing
- Clear the area of overgrown grasses, shrubs, and tree limbs
- Set up erosion control fencing along the boundary of the construction site
- Deliver gravel to the area
- Dig small trenches to install plastic drainpipes for stormwater
Let us know how to best communicate with you
Invasive species removal
Before construction begins, crews will clear the area of overgrown grasses, shrubs, and tree limbs. We do not plan to remove trees unless necessary. We will also work to remove invasive plants like English ivy and Himalayan blackberries.
Invasive plants can reproduce rapidly and spread quickly, taking space, nutrients, water, and light from other plants. The City is working to control invasive plants that damage infrastructure, streams, parks, and natural areas.
Learn more about invasive plants in Portland
You may see crews in the right-of-way
The right-of-way is not always improved with sidewalks or streets, and it might look the same as the adjacent private property.
We use survey information to determine where the right-of-way is. Crews will not enter private property.
What to expect during a Water Bureau construction project
What to expect during construction
No service disruptions
There are no planned service disruptions for this project. You can still use sewer, water, and other services while we work near your property. If we plan to shut off your water, we will notify you at least 24 hours ahead of time.
If your water service is disrupted, contact our 24-hour emergency line at 503-823-4874 or visit portland.gov/water/service-problem.
Noise, vibration, and dust
Construction will create noise, vibration, and dust during excavation. This may disrupt normal neighborhood activity.
Work hours
Work hours are typically 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Sometimes we work on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. When our crews have to work outside of those hours (for example, overnight or on Sundays), we are required to apply for a noise permit from the City's Noise Office. As part of that permit process, we will notify you in advance and have a 24-hour hotline you can call.
Parking restrictions
We want you to be safe, so you might not be able to park your car next to job sites, equipment, or materials. If crews are working directly in front of your home or a business, you may need to park in another place. We do our best to make sure driveways and parking lot entrances stay open.
Schedule changes and inactivity
Our work schedules can change for many reasons like weather, traffic, and problems with tools, machines, or availability of supplies. Sometimes we need to stop between different types of work and start again later.