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.
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