Traffic advisory: Water leak investigation requires eastbound closure of Powell Blvd (Hwy 26) in Gresham area

Update, May 27, 9:00 a.m.: Powell Blvd is now reopen to normal traffic. Water crews worked through the night until the early hours of this morning to repair the water leak and restore the street. Mission accomplished!

Update, May 26, 5:00 p.m.: Crews have excavated the area and stopped the active leaking. More work is needed to fully address the source of the leak. The road will remain closed while crews continue working on repairs.

View full size image of Three Water Bureau employees help guide shoring protection being lowered by a backhoe into an area excavated in a roadway

View full size image of A Water Bureau employee stands in a muddy hole guiding tubing into the water pooled at the bottom

Original post:

Today, Tuesday, May 26, the Portland Water Bureau, in coordination with the City of Gresham, have closed eastbound traffic on Powell Boulevard (Highway 26) between Powell Loop (east of SE 182nd/Highland) and Eastman Parkway.

The closure will allow crews to assess and repair an underground water leak on Powell Blvd at SW Birdsdale Ave. Drivers should expect delays, use recommended detours, and use caution when traveling around the work zone.

Crews are working to determine the cause of the leak and necessary repairs. Traffic impacts are expected to continue through the evening commute and overnight. The extent of the work cannot be determined until excavation is complete. Updates will be shared as they are available.

Traffic closure and detour details

The work zone is at Powell Blvd and Birdsdale, but drivers are encouraged to avoid the area completely by detouring north of Powell to Division St using SE 182nd Ave (eastbound traffic) or Eastman Parkway (westbound traffic).

Local/residential traffic guidance

• Westbound traffic on Powell Blvd has been restricted to one lane between Eastman Parkway and 182nd Ave/Highland Drive. Drivers should expect delays in the area.
• The work zone at the intersection of Powell and Birdsdale is currently a four-way stop with limited access to Powell.
  • Traffic headed south on Birdsdale to Powell Blvd may only turn right (heading west)
  • Traffic headed north on Birdsdale to Powell Blvd may only turn right (heading eastbound).