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.
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