Portland Water Bureau crews will begin emergency restoration for a large main break at SW 1st Avenue and SW Arthur Street this morning, January 7, from 9am to 5pm. This work will require the closure of SW Arthur St. to westbound traffic at SW 1st Ave.
Drivers are advised to use the detour, which will direct traffic north on SW 1st Ave and west on SW Harrison Street.
On December 22, 2024, Water Bureau crews responded to a main break in the area. The first team on-site worked to stop the flow of water, address flooding, and pinpoint the location of the break. Today’s efforts will focus on replacing the damaged main.
The City is advising drivers to please avoid the area. Flaggers will be on scene later today to direct traffic, but we currently anticipate closing SW Arthur Street to all westbound traffic.
No one is currently out of water as a result of the main break. Nearby residents, mostly commercial customers, may notice changes in pressure or temporary discoloration in the water. This discoloration can be caused by a fine, organic sediment that is always present in our pipes that was temporarily stirred up by the main break.
If impacted customers notice discolored water, consider using water from your emergency water supply or bottled water until sediments settle in a few hours. Here are more tips for what to do during a discolored water event.