Water system improvements require detours for NE 33rd and Prescott

Traffic Advisory
The intersection of NE 33rd Avenue and NE Prescott Street will be closed for critical valve replacement. The intersection will be closed intermittently beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23 and continuously after 7 p.m. Friday, until estimated completion on Sunday, June 26.
Published

Traffic detours at the intersection of Northeast 33rd and Prescott: 

  • People walking, cycling, and driving will likely be detoured at least one block east or west.
  • Detours will be posted for car traffic. Drivers will be detoured using Northeast Fremont and either Northeast 15th or Northeast 42nd.
  • If you live in the work zone, plan for it to take extra time to get to and from your house.

Portland Water Bureau Maintenance and Construction Director Ty Kovatch says the temporary inconvenience of detours will lend to long-term benefits for our water system.

“The new valves will improve our ability to manage water flow in North and Northeast Portland,” said Kovatch.

The Water Bureau encourages people to keep their distance from crews at work and to slow down when traveling through work zones. Changes in traffic patterns combined with the presence of workers and the frequent movement of work vehicles could lead to crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

To protect yourself and city workers from death and injury, we ask Portlanders to follow these safety steps: 

  • Keep your distance. For the health and safety of everyone, please give our crews the space to complete their work while maintaining proper distance. City bureaus will send mailers or door hangers to homes and businesses in an area before major work.
  • SLOW DOWN. Speed is a major factor in crashes. If you must drive, follow the work zone speed limit. Slow down, don’t tailgate.
  • Use an alternate route. When you can, avoid streets with posted work zones. 
  • Obey all speed and warning signs. Work zone signs apply to everyone traveling through—whether the person is walking, biking, rolling, or driving.
  • Be alert and look out for all road users. Put down your phone and pay attention to the road conditions ahead of you.
  • Stay clear of construction vehicles. Heavy vehicles travel in and out of the work areas and can make sudden moves. We know it’s interesting to see our machines at work, but please keep a safe distance from the work zone if you plan to watch. 

Expect delays and be kind. Our goal is to get you through our work zone safely, while also completing our system improvements in an efficient manner. We appreciate your understanding.