Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project

The Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project is a key infrastructure investment to improve Bend’s ability to deliver safe drinking water citywide while increasing the overall resiliency and reliability of the water system. 

Project Update 

The Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project is nearing completion and remains on schedule for completion by end of May 2025.

Crews have finished the installation of all waterline and stormwater improvements along Portland Avenue, as well as installation of the new Awbrey Transmission line.  

Through May, efforts will focus on road reconstruction, including paving, striping, sign installation and landscaping.  

Portland Avenue from NW Ninth Street to Wall Street is scheduled to reopen to traffic by Friday, May 23, before Memorial Day Weekend, in coordination with the Olney Improvements Project opening of the Wall Street and Olney Avenue intersection. Olney. Olney Avenue (east of Wall Street to NE Second Street) will remain closed through fall 2025 as water, sewer and roadway improvement work continues.

Key Project Highlights 

• Waterline Installation
  The project includes the installation of approximately 4.25 miles of new pipeline with pipe sizes ranging from 6 to 30 inches in diameter. Spanning from Mt. Washington Drive to the Portland Avenue Bridge, these upgrades represent a significant investment in Bend’s long-term infrastructure needs.

• New Awbrey Transmission Line and Valve Building
  The new transmission line enhances water flow efficiency, ensuring consistent pressure and supply across the city, while also increasing capacity to support future growth and improve fire protection. Major upgrades to pressure and flow control valves at the Awbrey Reservoir, along with a new valve building designed to accommodate future in-conduit hydroelectric power generation and the integration of state-of-the-art electronics for improved monitoring, further strengthen the resiliency of Bend’s water system. 

• Synergy Projects and Coordinated Improvements
  In coordination with the Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project, the City implemented several infrastructure upgrades to maximize efficiency and minimize disruptions to the community. These synergy projects included:

• Installation of 1,500 feet of new 15-inch sewer main along Shevlin Park Road.
• Stormwater improvements along College Way, Saginaw Avenue, Juniper Street, and Portland Avenue as part of the South Awbrey Butte Drainage Project.
• Street improvements funded through the Portland Avenue GO Bond Project include buffered bike lanes west of Ninth Street, updated signage, striping, and lighting for safer travel, and ADA upgrades. Sidewalk improvements on the south side of Portland Avenue, from Fifth to Sixth Streets and from Fifth to Third, were also included, with installation completed as budget allowed.

New Awbrey Reservoir Valve Building

This building houses the valve system responsible for controlling water flows in and out of the Awbrey Reservoir. 

Water main connection at Fifth Street & Portland Avenue 

Crews installing a new catch basin on Eighth Street to improve stormwater drainage 

Crews paving Portland Avenue 

Other City Projects in the Area 

1. Olney Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Update

   Sign up to receive project email updates at bendoregon.gov/olney

2. Westside Pump Station
   This project includes essential electrical and pump upgrades at both the Awbrey Glen and Westside Lift Stations. Learn more at bendoregon.gov/sewer-improvements