Awbrey Butte Waterline Project Update – December 22, 2022

The Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project will improve Bend’s ability to deliver water across the City and increase the system’s resiliency and reliability by installing approximately 4.25 miles of pipeline.

Frequently Asked Questions 

  • When does construction start?

    The first phase of work, the design of the project, began in August 2022. Design for the entire project will extend through late 2023. Construction will occur in multiple phases and is expected to begin in the summer 2023 and continue into 2025. 

    • Phase 1 Construction: summer 2023 – winter 2023
    • Phase 2 Construction: winter 2023 – 2025

  • What can I expect during construction?

Depending on where you live within the intended construction area, you may see impacts adjacent to your property, including removing and replacing existing City water meters in the Right-of-Way. Some landscaping may be impacted but will be restored upon completion. Access to your property may be limited when the water main located in the street in front of your property is being replaced. Additionally, during the replacement of the water meters, there may be a small window of time that you will not have water. The City will coordinate with you in advance of the water shutdown. Others who do not live within the impacted areas may experience traffic impacts such as partial or full road closures, detours and/or flagging.

  • What kind of accommodations can I expect during construction?

Prior to each subproject, the Public Involvement team will perform direct outreach (public open houses and door-to-door) with anyone impacted by the planned work. These efforts will provide an opportunity for those impacted and the contractor to coordinate accommodations and maintain accessibility.

  • Will existing unpaved roads be paved or will curbs/sidewalks be installed?

No. The project limits will stay within the paved roadway, and none of the unpaved roads will be improved. The objective of this project is focused on the waterline, although some areas have been identified as an opportunity to include planned improvements as a Synergy Project*, which may include stormwater improvements and/or ADA ramps at some intersections.

  • What improvements are planned for Portland Avenue?

Waterline improvements are planned on Portland Avenue from 9th Street to Wall Street. Surface improvements are being explored with the Transportation Bond Oversight Committee (TBOC) utilizing the 2020 General Obligation Bond funding identified as the Portland Avenue Corridor Improvements Project. Earmarked funds may be utilized if the waterline replacement on Portland Avenue provides the opportunity for a Synergy Project*.

*Synergy Project: the City of Bend’s term to describe a single project where all deficient and near-deficient city infrastructure will be replaced, resulting in significant savings of cost, time and potential future construction impacts to the community.

Project Update – December 2022 

Construction personnel will perform exploratory potholing and surveying throughout the project area in the coming months. These activities may require localized traffic control. During these times, please be aware of cones, construction equipment and road signs that may be placed to notify drivers, cyclists and pedestrians of obstructions ahead. For the safety of the workers, please drive cautiously in these areas.

The City is committed to keeping neighbors informed throughout the project through the project website, open houses, mailings, emails and door hangers. In advance of construction activities in your neighborhood, residents will receive a more detailed notification with specific information regarding construction impacts.

For more information, contact the project team at awbreywaterline@bendoregon.gov.

Project Map – subject to change

project map - see text below for location areas and estimated schedule
Additional information and Subproject details for the Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project can be found at bendoregon.gov/awbrey-waterline. 

PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS

  • Please help us in spreading the word to your clients, customers, and delivery personnel regarding detouring and closures.
  • Share the website information where others can also sign up for updates. bendoregon.gov/awbrey-waterline
  • If you are not the correct contact for your organization and/or others need to be included, you can respond directly to this email.
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