Traffic Advisory: SW First Ave Closed North Of SW Arthur To SW Sheridan Due To Water Main Break. (Photo) - 01/09/26
SW Arthur remains open to traffic. Drivers can avoid the area by detouring to SW Fourth Ave or by taking the SW Naito Parkway exit from SW Kelly Ave.
PORTLAND, OR – Portland Water Bureau crews have closed SW First Avenue north of SW Arthur Street to SW Sheridan Street to respond to a broken water main (pipe). SW Arthur Street remains open to traffic.
Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians should use caution while traveling in the area. Please keep a safe distance from crews, give flaggers plenty of space, and slow down when traveling through the work zones.
Limited water service impacts
The Water Bureau is working to determine water service impacts in the area. Currently, about 13 properties are impacted, including some multifamily apartment communities. Due to the large size of the main break, impacted properties could be without water service until late tonight or early tomorrow, January 10. Main breaks can cause water pressure to change, which can result in water discoloration. If you are experiencing discolored water, the Water Bureau is here to help. Report discolored water to the Water Quality Line.
About the break
Crews were dispatched to the area before noon on Friday, January 9. The horizontal break in the 16-inch water main has caused about 80 feet of the road surface to lift. Crews are also seeing localized street flooding.
We are working to assess next steps to fully repair the main and the street, but do not yet have an estimate on when repairs will be complete.
The public is encouraged to follow the Portland Water Bureau on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram for updates.
About the Portland Water Bureau
The Portland Water Bureau serves water to more than 750,000 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.
Access and translation
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
