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Project overview
Not if, but when... You've heard about our region's earthquake risks. The Water Bureau has worked for the past several decades to increase the number of water supply facilities that can withstand earthquakes. The Gresham trestle replacement project is part of our commitment to preparedness and our mission of serving excellent water every minute of every day.
Through this project, we strengthened the structural supports (known as trestles) that hold the water pipe that runs along Kelly Creek and Beaver Creek in Gresham. Both the pipe and trestles were installed here in 1911. While the pipe is in good condition, but the trestles might not endure a large earthquake or heavy flooding. The work we've completed makes Portland's and Gresham's water supply more resistant to earthquakes and floods.
As part of the project, we removed trees and other vegetation to allow equipment to access the trestle. Because of this, we developed an extensive restoration plan with oversight from the City of Gresham. Now that construction is complete, crews have landscaped the entire lot with native trees and plants that will improve the health of the creek.
Happening now
We have finished strengthening the trestle that holds the water pipe running along Kelly Creek. This means that Portland's and Gresham's water supply is now more resistant to earthquakes and floods.
Construction may be complete, but we're sticking around. Our planting team will be coming by to weed and monitor vegetation in the area through 2024. Growing a healthy greenspace will take a little time, but we're committed to leaving Kelly Creek better than we found it.
Ongoing restoration: Winter 2022 –spring 2024
- Plant trees and shrubs in the construction area as needed to ensure the area thrives.
- Continue monitoring and maintenance
Image credits
Blue Wildrye: "Poaceae - Elymus glaucus ss0p. glaucus - BLUE or WESTERN WILD RYE DS" by Toni Corelli is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via Flickr
Slender hairgrass: "Deschampsia_elongata" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY SA-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
California brome: "Bromus_carinatus_3861052158" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY SA-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cascara: "Rhamnus purshiana, Cascara -- branch with leaves, flowers and buds" Jesse Taylor is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Western hemlock: "Tsuga heterophylla eu 76 14062008 1" by Olivier Pichard is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Western red cedar: "Thuja_plicata_43569" by Walter Siegmund is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license, via Wikimedia Commons
Snowberry: "Aeron yr Eira (Symphoricarpos rivularis-albus) Snowberry - geograph.org.uk – 553418" by Alan Fryer is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Thimbleberry: "Rubus_parviflorus_9481 (Thimbleberry)" by Walter Siegmund is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license, via Wikimedia Commons
Serrulate penstemon: "640px-Penstemon-serratultus_1501" by Walter Siegmund is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Western columbine: "7180514174_39d570693a_q" by Franco Folini is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
Oregon iris: "Iris_Tenax" by David W. Barts, CC BY 2.5, via Wikipedia
Meadow checkermallow: "640px-Sidlacea_campestris_inflorescence" by Flowersinmyyard is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Goldenrod: "10169466724_143e101901_q_Goldenrod" by Pete O'Connor is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
Douglas aster: "29557110781_696a3de75_w_DouglasAster" by Linda, Fortuna Future is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0, via Flickr