Portland Water Bureau contractors are temporarily closing single lanes of traffic on weekdays for up to a month on SE Tacoma Street and SE Milwaukie Avenue in SE Portland starting September 23, 2022. All roads will be open during the Portland Marathon, October 2, 2022.
SE Tacoma is a primary route for drivers traveling though the Sellwood neighborhood to access McLoughlin Blvd./Oregon 99E and the Sellwood Bridge. Drivers hoping to access the west side may consider using the Ross Island Bridge as an alternate route to and from McLoughlin/99E.
- SE Milwaukie is a primary route for drivers traveling north and south through the Sellwood neighborhood. Drivers should consider using SE 17th Avenue or SE McLoughlin/99E as an alternate route.
The lane closures will allow crews to replace aging water mains (pipes), improving water quality and 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
Southeast Tacoma traffic impacts
- Southeast Tacoma Street at Southeast 19th Avenue: Traffic will be limited to one lane. Some parking will be temporarily removed to make room for construction.
- Southeast 19th Avenue between Southeast Tenino and Southeast Spokane: Traffic will be detoured one block east or west at Southeast Tenino and Southeast Spokane Streets.
- Sidewalk access: Sidewalks on Southeast 19th Avenue will remain open. People traveling along Southeast Tacoma Street will be detoured to the opposite side of the intersection from where construction is taking place at Southeast 19th Avenue.
- Bicycle access: This work will impact bicycle travel on the Southeast 19th Avenue Greenway. In some cases, people cycling on SE 19th Avenue will be detoured one block east or west. Other times, cyclists will be diverted onto the sidewalk. Traffic message boards and signs will direct people to the safest route.
- TriMet: No bus stops will be impacted, but travelers should plan for delays.
Southeast Milwaukie traffic impacts
- Southeast Milwaukie Avenue at Southeast Lambert Street: Traffic will be limited to one lane. 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.