Prepare alternative travel routes to avoid tricky traffic delays in Sellwood starting on Halloween.
Starting Monday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, for up to a month, Portland Water Bureau contractors will temporarily close single lanes of traffic on SE 17th Ave and SE Milwaukie Ave.
Both streets areprimary routes for drivers traveling through the Sellwood neighborhood to access the Sellwood Bridge, and Southeast or Southwest Portland. Drivers should consider using McLoughlin Blvd/Oregon-99E as an alternate route.
The lane closures will allow crews to replace aging water mains (pipes), improving water quality and system reliability in Sellwood. Impacts to sidewalks, bicycle routes and vehicle routes will change during the various phases of work on this project. Travelers should stay alert and follow instructions from signs and flaggers.
Traffic impacts
SE 17th Ave and SE Milwaukie Ave at SE Lambert St (north of Tacoma St.): Traffic will be limited to one lane, with flaggers directing travelers.
- Parking: Some parking will be temporarily removed to make room for construction.
- Sidewalk access: Sidewalks will remain open.
- Bicycle access: In some cases, people cycling will be detoured one block north or south. Other times, cyclists will be diverted onto the sidewalk. Signs will direct people to the safest route.
- TriMet: No bus stops will be impacted, but travelers should plan for delays.
What to expect
- Please allow extra travel time and respect work zone safety cones, detours, and flaggers.
- No homes or businesses are expected to be out of water service because of this work.
- Travelers should stay alert and use caution as traffic may suddenly slow or stop. To avoid traffic delays, motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes around the work site.
About the SE 19th and Lambert Water Main Replacement Project
As part of our ongoing investment in southeast Portland’s water supply, the Water Bureau is replacing 4,800 feet—just under a mile—of an aging water main (pipe) along SE Lambert Street and SE 19th Avenue. The existing main was installed in 1927 and has had six breaks over the past decade. The new pipe will reduce the frequency of breaks and improve water quality. Learn more and sign up for project updates: portland.gov/water/lambert19.