Project overview
The Water Bureau will install 3,350 feet of water main (pipe) in southwest Portland.
The pipe sections we're replacing range from 60 to 109 years old. Inspections show that these pipes have reached the end of their useful life. Some of these pipes cross under busy roads like Southwest Barbur Boulevard and the I-5 freeway. Replacing the pipes will reduce the risk of damage to these roads and will improve the reliability of water flow to the surrounding neighborhoods. This project will benefit over 42,000 people served by the main.
Where
The project will begin at the intersection of South Laview Drive and South Corbett Avenue and proceed west under I-5 and under Southwest Barbur Boulevard. The jack and bore section of the project will emerge in grassy areas between I-5 and Southwest Brier Place, and near the intersection of Southwest Nevada Street and Southwest 2nd Avenue. Work will continue through Nevada and Chestnut Streets between 3rd Avenue and Barbur Boulevard.
What's happening now
Last updated July 11, 2025
Project dates are pending. Check back for timeline updates.
During construction
We'll use a jack and bore method to drill holes for the sections of pipe that go underneath the I-5 freeway, Southwest Barbur Boulevard, and Southwest Brier Place. This means we won't have to disrupt traffic by digging trenches across the two state highways. Work will happen east of I-5 near South Laview Drive between I-5 and Southwest Brier Place, and near the intersection of Southwest Nevada Street and Southwest 2nd Avenue.
We'll install the water main between the intersection of Southwest Nevada and Southwest 2nd Avenue west to Southwest Burlingame Avenue. We will cut the road surface, dig a trench, replace the old pipe, fill the trench, and restore the road surface.
What to expect during construction
- Street parking may be limited. We may set up "No parking" signs.
- Your street may be closed to all but local traffic during construction hours. Crews will try to keep driveways accessible, but you may have to park on a side street sometimes during construction hours.
- We may need to leave some equipment overnight.
- Mail, garbage, and delivery services will have access.
- Work may cause noise, dust, and traffic delays.
- This project will not disrupt your water service.
What is a jack and bore method?
Jack and bore is a trenchless method of installing pipes. Crews dig a "jacking pit" and a "receiving pit" to install a new pipe casing. They place a jack and bore machine in the jacking pit and cut a hole underground horizontally from the jacking pit to the receiving pit, without disturbing the surface above. As the machine drills the hole, it also functions like a jackhammer to push the new pipe casing into place.
The work involves the following steps:
- Dig a jacking pit and a receiving pit to the required depth.
- Place a jack and bore machine into the sending pit.
- Use the machine to cut a hole through the ground and push the new water pipe into place.
- Remove the jack and bore machine.
- Connect the new pipe to existing pipes on either end.
- Cover open pits with steel plates—or secure the pits with fencing—at the end of each day as needed while work is in progress.
- Backfill pits with sand or fill.
- Test, sanitize, and connect the new pipe to the water system.
- Restore the road surface.
Past project activities
January 30, 2023: Fulton Pump Mains Project Update- January 2023 (e-news)
January 4, 2023: Hillsdale Neighborhood Association (HNA) meeting presentation
November 30, 2022: Portland City Council second reading to authorize bid for construction contract
November 16, 2022: Portland City Council presentation toauthorize bid for construction contract
October 19, 2022: Hillsdale Business Association meeting presentation