Willamette River Crossing construction updates

Capital Improvement Project
Engineering And Design
Timing has changed for implementation of the final phases of design and construction for the Willamette River Crossing project.
This graphic shows the path of the pipe underground. On the west side there will be open trench work and a microtunnel. We will use Direct Pipe to build the pipe under the river, then bore and jack under the railroad. We will install the pipe in a trench near the road surface between SE 3rd and SE 10th Avenues.
2016 through 2030
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Borehole restoration starting the week of 8/14

Traffic Impacts:

  • Traffic control will be set up to divert traffic around the work site.
  • Temporary asphalt patches will be installed to ensure safety of travel once traffic controls are removed.
  • Final paving restoration will occur once other work is complete.

Project Details:

  • Crews will use equipment to fill the drilled holes in the ground, safely returning them to their pre-existing condition.

Overview

The Willamette River Crossing Project will build an earthquake-resilient water line under the Willamette River. The improvements we’re making will enhance our water system’s resilience and reduce future risks, ensuring safe and abundant water for generations to come.

On the West side of the river, most construction impacts will take place near South Harbor Drive and South Montgomery, as well as South Waterfront Park.  On the East side of the river, construction will take place along SE Water Avenue close to the PCC Climb Center and OMSI, at SE 3rd Avenue and SE Stephens Street, on SE Stephens Street between SE Grand Boulevard and SE 7th Avenue, along SE 7th Avenue between SE Stephens and Harrison, and on SE Harrison Street between SE 7th and SE 10th Avenues.
The areas affected by upcoming construction are shown in a bold, blue line on the map above.

Updates to the project schedule

The project will be paused for approximately a year, after which time we will complete the design and re-engage with the contracting community and the public about construction of the crossing. On this tentative schedule, construction would start in fiscal year 2027–28. 

Learn more on our FAQ page.

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Eastside Construction Mitigation Plan documents

The following documents provide detail about construction impacts on the west side of the river.

Westside Construction Mitigation Plan documents

The following documents provide detail about construction impacts on the west side of the river. 

RiverPlace Planned Community meeting (07/25/2022)

The meeting recording is now available.

Recently completed

1720 SW Naito Parkway - ADA Ramp and Stairs Now Open 

We completed repairs to the ADA ramp between S Harbor Drive and SW Naito Parkway in April. The stairway at Southwest Naito Parkway between Southwest Harrison Street and Southwest Market Street is now open to the public. We are working with Portland Bureau of Transportation and Portland Parks and Recreation to re-stripe the southern portion of the lot so that it can be used for parking. The Water Bureau plans to keep the northern portion of the parking lot under our control until the end of our construction phase.

An illustrated map showing the construction location at 1720 SW Naito Parkway between S Harrison and SW Market

Stakeholder outreach to reduce our impacts

We are looking for the community’s expertise on how we might reduce construction impacts and be good neighbors. To gather this expertise, we’ve met with nearby businesses, residents, and property owners, as well as neighborhood associations and area interest groups. We offered an online open house to share information about the project and generate feedback, and we surveyed businesses regarding business access needs. We are using the information collected to help us be better neighbors during construction. You may provide input by emailing us at wrx@portlandoregon.gov or calling and leaving a message at 503-823-7499.

Contact

WRX Project Team

phone number503-823-7499Project Voicemail/Hotline - Press zero at any time to skip the message and leave a voicemail. Please leave your name and phone number twice. A staff person will call you within one to three business days. To report a water service emergency, call 503-823-4874.
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