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News Release

Main Street Closing To Repair Thompson Elk Fountain After Minor Truck Collision - 06/18/26

Southwest Main Street closed to vehicle traffic between Southwest 3rd Avenue and 4th Avenue 

 

PORTLAND, OR – Beginning Monday, June 22, crews with the Portland Water Bureau are closing Southwest Main Street between Southwest 3rd and 4th avenues. The closure will allow crews to repair minor damage to the Thompson Elk Fountain that was caused by a vehicle collision.  

 

The corner of the fountain basin’s south trough was struck by a truck trailer on April 27. Stone was chipped and surface oil staining occurred where the trailer collided. The fountain remains structurally intact and sound.  

 

To avoid similar damage in the future, trucks driving this section of Main Street will be limited to no more than 30ft in length.  

 

Bureau crews currently expect repairs to take about two weeks to be completed.  

 

The City is advising drivers to avoid the area. Southwest Main Street between 3rd and 4th avenues will temporarily close beginning next week. Drivers should use caution while driving in the area. Keep your distance from crews and slow down when traveling through work zones. The bike lane along Southwest Main Street will remain open during the repair. 

 

Travelers can stay informed by visiting portland.gov/water/thompsonelk. 

 

About the Portland Water Bureau 

 

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipe. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day.  

About the Public Works Service Area 

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders. 

 

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information. 

 

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation   

Traducción e Interpretación  |  Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch  |  अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या 

译服务 |  Устный и письменный перевод  |  Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad 

Письмовий і усний переклад  |  Traducere și interpretariat  |  Chiaku me Awewen Kapas 

 

Main Street Closing To Repair Thompson Elk Fountain After Minor Truck Collision - 06/18/26

Southwest Main Street closed to vehicle traffic between Southwest 3rd Avenue and 4th Avenue 

 

PORTLAND, OR – Beginning Monday, June 22, crews with the Portland Water Bureau are closing Southwest Main Street between Southwest 3rd and 4th avenues. The closure will allow crews to repair minor damage to the Thompson Elk Fountain that was caused by a vehicle collision.  

 

The corner of the fountain basin’s south trough was struck by a truck trailer on April 27. Stone was chipped and surface oil staining occurred where the trailer collided. The fountain remains structurally intact and sound.  

 

To avoid similar damage in the future, trucks driving this section of Main Street will be limited to no more than 30ft in length.  

 

Bureau crews currently expect repairs to take about two weeks to be completed.  

 

The City is advising drivers to avoid the area. Southwest Main Street between 3rd and 4th avenues will temporarily close beginning next week. Drivers should use caution while driving in the area. Keep your distance from crews and slow down when traveling through work zones. The bike lane along Southwest Main Street will remain open during the repair. 

 

Travelers can stay informed by visiting portland.gov/water/thompsonelk. 

 

About the Portland Water Bureau 

 

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipe. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day.  

About the Public Works Service Area 

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders. 

 

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information. 

 

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation   

Traducción e Interpretación  |  Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch  |  अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या 

译服务 |  Устный и письменный перевод  |  Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad 

Письмовий і усний переклад  |  Traducere și interpretariat  |  Chiaku me Awewen Kapas 

 

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Powell Boulevard Lanes Partially Closed Today For Repaving Following Successful Water Main Repair In Gresham . Only One Lane Of Traffic In Each Direction. - 06/02/26

GRESHAM, OR – Beginning at 9 a.m today, Tuesday, June 2, the Portland Water Bureau in coordination with the City of Gresham will reduce traffic on Powell Boulevard (Highway 26) to one eastbound lane and one westbound lane between Powell Loop (east of SE 182nd/Highland) and Eastman Parkway.

 

During the partial closure, no left turns will be allowed in any direction because the work is in the middle of the intersection.

 

The partial closure will begin at 9 a.m. and crews hope to reopen Powell Blvd to two-lane traffic before the evening commute begins An updated traffic advisory will be issued if there are unexpected delays.

 

The closure will allow crews to permanently repair the for Powell Blvd, which was damaged and temporarily repaired last week following a water main break underground. Thanks to quick action and strong coordination between Portland Water Bureau and City of Gresham crews, a major leak in one of Portland’s largest water mains (pipes) was successfully located, excavated, evaluated and repaired in less than a day.

 

Traffic closure and detour details

  • The work zone is at Powell Blvd and Birdsdale Ave.
  • There is only on lane of traffic open in each direction between Powell Loop (east of SE 182nd/Highland) and Eastman Parkway.
  • Drivers have the option to avoid the area completely by detouring north of Powell to Division St using SE 182nd Ave (eastbound traffic) or Eastman Parkway (westbound traffic).
  • Traffic impacts are expected to continue through the early afternoon. Updates will be shared as they are available.

Previous Water Leak

 

The leak in a 50-inch steel conduit installed in the 1920s was caused by corrosion over time. This critical piece of infrastructure carries up to 75 million gallons of drinking water a day from the Bull Run Watershed to Portland. As water mains age, small leaks can develop due to external corrosion from nearby underground utility pipes. These types of repairs are a routine part of maintaining a large and complex water system, and crews are trained and equipped to respond quickly.

 

A non-critical leak was first discovered on May 6 To minimize traffic disruptions, the Portland Water Bureau and the City of Gresham initially coordinated to start repairs following the Memorial Day holiday on Wednesday, May 27. When the leak became more severe, the Water Bureau and Gresham coordinated to move the response earlier. Crews arrived on the scene Tuesday morning, May 26, and worked through the early hours of Wednesday to safely isolate, excavate, diagnose, and repair the damaged pipe.

 

Following the repair, crews placed a temporary pavement patch over the work area.

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to about 900,000 people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipe. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day. 

About the Public Works Service Area

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

 

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information.

 

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

Traducción e Interpretación  |  Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch  |  अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या

口笔译服务 |  Устный и письменный перевод  |  Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad

Письмовий і усний переклад  |  Traducere și interpretariat  |  Chiaku me Awewen Kapas

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Powell Boulevard Lanes Partially Closed Today For Repaving Following Successful Water Main Repair In Gresham . Only One Lane Of Traffic In Each Direction. - 06/02/26

GRESHAM, OR – Beginning at 9 a.m today, Tuesday, June 2, the Portland Water Bureau in coordination with the City of Gresham will reduce traffic on Powell Boulevard (Highway 26) to one eastbound lane and one westbound lane between Powell Loop (east of SE 182nd/Highland) and Eastman Parkway.

 

During the partial closure, no left turns will be allowed in any direction because the work is in the middle of the intersection.

 

The partial closure will begin at 9 a.m. and crews hope to reopen Powell Blvd to two-lane traffic before the evening commute begins An updated traffic advisory will be issued if there are unexpected delays.

 

The closure will allow crews to permanently repair the for Powell Blvd, which was damaged and temporarily repaired last week following a water main break underground. Thanks to quick action and strong coordination between Portland Water Bureau and City of Gresham crews, a major leak in one of Portland’s largest water mains (pipes) was successfully located, excavated, evaluated and repaired in less than a day.

 

Traffic closure and detour details

  • The work zone is at Powell Blvd and Birdsdale Ave.
  • There is only on lane of traffic open in each direction between Powell Loop (east of SE 182nd/Highland) and Eastman Parkway.
  • Drivers have the option to avoid the area completely by detouring north of Powell to Division St using SE 182nd Ave (eastbound traffic) or Eastman Parkway (westbound traffic).
  • Traffic impacts are expected to continue through the early afternoon. Updates will be shared as they are available.

Previous Water Leak

 

The leak in a 50-inch steel conduit installed in the 1920s was caused by corrosion over time. This critical piece of infrastructure carries up to 75 million gallons of drinking water a day from the Bull Run Watershed to Portland. As water mains age, small leaks can develop due to external corrosion from nearby underground utility pipes. These types of repairs are a routine part of maintaining a large and complex water system, and crews are trained and equipped to respond quickly.

 

A non-critical leak was first discovered on May 6 To minimize traffic disruptions, the Portland Water Bureau and the City of Gresham initially coordinated to start repairs following the Memorial Day holiday on Wednesday, May 27. When the leak became more severe, the Water Bureau and Gresham coordinated to move the response earlier. Crews arrived on the scene Tuesday morning, May 26, and worked through the early hours of Wednesday to safely isolate, excavate, diagnose, and repair the damaged pipe.

 

Following the repair, crews placed a temporary pavement patch over the work area.

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to about 900,000 people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipe. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day. 

About the Public Works Service Area

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

 

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information.

 

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

Traducción e Interpretación  |  Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch  |  अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या

口笔译服务 |  Устный и письменный перевод  |  Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad

Письмовий і усний переклад  |  Traducere și interpretariat  |  Chiaku me Awewen Kapas

Portland’s 2026 Drinking Water Quality Report Shows Top Marks - 06/01/26

The Portland Water Bureau continues to deliver clean and safe drinking water that meets or surpasses drinking water standards to nearly a million customers, according to our annual water quality report. And here’s how we know: In addition to continuous water quality monitoring at key locations, our water quality lab conducted almost 40,000 tests in 2025 to track more than 200 potential contaminants. Tests are conducted throughout the system, all the way from the source to people’s taps.

 

Every year, the Portland Water Bureau issues the Drinking Water Quality Report to explain what’s in your drinking water and what we do to keep it safe and flowing to your tap.

 

"This report is more than just a regulatory requirement; it is a testament to our commitment to clean, safe, and reliable drinking water,” said Director of Public Utilities Dr. Ting Lu. “I am grateful for our dedicated professionals who work around the clock to manage and maintain our system.”

 

Read the online report to:

  • Learn about your drinking water and our work to keep it safe
  • Get answers to common drinking water quality questions
  • Learn how the Bull Run Filtration Project will keep our drinking water safe into the future

 

How to read the report

 

As early as Tuesday, June 2, Portlanders will receive a flyer in the mail with an easy-to-scan QR code and web address that will take them to the full Portland Water Bureau 2026 Drinking Water Quality Report on the City of Portland website.

 

The report is accessible for people who use screen readers and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese. You can request a paper copy online or by phone at 503-823-9444. To request translations in additional languages or accommodations for people with disabilities, call 503-823-7525 (Relay: 711). Interpretation services available.

 

Public health is our top priority

 

Portland’s drinking water is safe today and for generations to come. This starts at our two high-quality sources, which are the two largest drinking water sources in the state: the Bull Run Watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field. Water Bureau staff treat the water and test it from many locations around our water system, including our water sources, our treatment facilities, and around town.

 

This report includes test results for all known health-related contaminants detected in 2025. If a known health-related contaminant is not listed in this report, it was not detected in our drinking water. We are proud to share that this includes PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which have not been detected in our drinking water.

 

The report also makes it easy for you to get updates on our excellent water sources, wise water system investments, and your drinking water.

 

Questions? Email WBWaterLine@portlandoregon.gov.

 

Investing to maintain public health and reliable service

 

We are building a new filtration facility to protect public health and comply with federal and state drinking water regulations. When complete, the Bull Run filtration facility will remove Cryptosporidium, sediment, and organic matter, while also reducing disinfection byproducts and ensuring our water system remains resilient against earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. A project this size takes multiple years to build, which is why crews are working six days a week to have these water system improvements in place by September 2029.

 

“The Bull Run Filtration Project is a transformative investment in public health and long-term resilience for generations to come,” said Director Lu. “We remain fully committed to moving forward with the highest levels of accountability and transparency to finish this project strong. I encourage everyone to check out our ongoing construction status and reach out if you have any questions.”

 

About the Portland Water Bureau

 

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost one million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipes. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day. 

 

About the Public Works Service Area

 

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

 

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information.

 

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

Traducción e Interpretación  |  Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch  |  अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या

口笔译服务 |  Устный и письменный перевод  |  Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad

Письмовий і усний переклад  |  Traducere și interpretariat  |  Chiaku me Awewen Kapas

Portland’s 2026 Drinking Water Quality Report Shows Top Marks - 06/01/26

The Portland Water Bureau continues to deliver clean and safe drinking water that meets or surpasses drinking water standards to nearly a million customers, according to our annual water quality report. And here’s how we know: In addition to continuous water quality monitoring at key locations, our water quality lab conducted almost 40,000 tests in 2025 to track more than 200 potential contaminants. Tests are conducted throughout the system, all the way from the source to people’s taps.

 

Every year, the Portland Water Bureau issues the Drinking Water Quality Report to explain what’s in your drinking water and what we do to keep it safe and flowing to your tap.

 

"This report is more than just a regulatory requirement; it is a testament to our commitment to clean, safe, and reliable drinking water,” said Director of Public Utilities Dr. Ting Lu. “I am grateful for our dedicated professionals who work around the clock to manage and maintain our system.”

 

Read the online report to:

  • Learn about your drinking water and our work to keep it safe
  • Get answers to common drinking water quality questions
  • Learn how the Bull Run Filtration Project will keep our drinking water safe into the future

 

How to read the report

 

As early as Tuesday, June 2, Portlanders will receive a flyer in the mail with an easy-to-scan QR code and web address that will take them to the full Portland Water Bureau 2026 Drinking Water Quality Report on the City of Portland website.

 

The report is accessible for people who use screen readers and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese. You can request a paper copy online or by phone at 503-823-9444. To request translations in additional languages or accommodations for people with disabilities, call 503-823-7525 (Relay: 711). Interpretation services available.

 

Public health is our top priority

 

Portland’s drinking water is safe today and for generations to come. This starts at our two high-quality sources, which are the two largest drinking water sources in the state: the Bull Run Watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field. Water Bureau staff treat the water and test it from many locations around our water system, including our water sources, our treatment facilities, and around town.

 

This report includes test results for all known health-related contaminants detected in 2025. If a known health-related contaminant is not listed in this report, it was not detected in our drinking water. We are proud to share that this includes PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which have not been detected in our drinking water.

 

The report also makes it easy for you to get updates on our excellent water sources, wise water system investments, and your drinking water.

 

Questions? Email WBWaterLine@portlandoregon.gov.

 

Investing to maintain public health and reliable service

 

We are building a new filtration facility to protect public health and comply with federal and state drinking water regulations. When complete, the Bull Run filtration facility will remove Cryptosporidium, sediment, and organic matter, while also reducing disinfection byproducts and ensuring our water system remains resilient against earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. A project this size takes multiple years to build, which is why crews are working six days a week to have these water system improvements in place by September 2029.

 

“The Bull Run Filtration Project is a transformative investment in public health and long-term resilience for generations to come,” said Director Lu. “We remain fully committed to moving forward with the highest levels of accountability and transparency to finish this project strong. I encourage everyone to check out our ongoing construction status and reach out if you have any questions.”

 

About the Portland Water Bureau

 

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost one million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipes. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day. 

 

About the Public Works Service Area

 

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

 

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information.

 

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

Traducción e Interpretación  |  Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch  |  अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या

口笔译服务 |  Устный и письменный перевод  |  Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad

Письмовий і усний переклад  |  Traducere și interpretariat  |  Chiaku me Awewen Kapas

Water Leak Investigation Requires Eastbound Closure Of Powell Blvd (Hwy 26) In Gresham Area (Photo) - 05/26/26

Eastbound traffic on Powell Blvd is closed to vehicle traffic at Powell Loop but drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible.

 

 

GRESHAM, OR – 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).

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to about 900,000 people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipe. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day. 

About the Public Works Service Area

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

 

 

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information.

 

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

Traducción e Interpretación  |  Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch  |  अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या

口笔译服务 |  Устный и письменный перевод  |  Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad

Письмовий і усний переклад  |  Traducere și interpretariat  |  Chiaku me Awewen Kapas

Water Leak Investigation Requires Eastbound Closure Of Powell Blvd (Hwy 26) In Gresham Area (Photo) - 05/26/26

Eastbound traffic on Powell Blvd is closed to vehicle traffic at Powell Loop but drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible.

 

 

GRESHAM, OR – 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).

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to about 900,000 people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipe. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day. 

About the Public Works Service Area

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

 

 

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information.

 

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

Traducción e Interpretación  |  Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch  |  अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या

口笔译服务 |  Устный и письменный перевод  |  Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad

Письмовий і усний переклад  |  Traducere și interpretariat  |  Chiaku me Awewen Kapas