Newport Corridor Improvements Project Update – March 17, 2023
SAFETY FIRST
As construction season ramps up in Bend, many neighborhoods are seeing upgrades to their water mains, transmission pipes, and service lines. During these projects, homes and businesses may be placed on water bypass systems to keep their water service uninterrupted. However, after the replacement is complete and the service lines are re-connected, you may notice some temporary changes in your water quality.
Don’t worry if you notice a slight discoloration or sediment in your water or if your water surges from air pockets flowing through the system. These are common by-products of water line replacements and are caused by the aging pipes being disturbed after many years of use.
To make sure your water returns to normal, follow these simple steps as soon as your plumbing is connected to the utility system:
- Run the water in your bathtub for a couple of minutes.
- Run the remaining water spigots in your system for 10-20 seconds.
This will release any air pockets in the pipes and clear out any loosened sediment. If you notice reduced pressure in a faucet, unscrew the filter at the end of the faucet and clear out any sediment.
If these steps don’t improve your water quality after a few minutes, or if your faucet screen is clear and you’re still experiencing issues, contact the City of Bend – Utility Department at
541-317-3000, extension 2, or the project point of contact immediately. They’ll be happy to help you resolve any issues and ensure that your water service is back to normal as quickly as possible.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE FOR MARCH 16 – MARCH 23
Newport Corridor Improvements Scheduled Construction – Segment 4 (Knoxville Boulevard through the 14th Street Roundabout)
- Construction of the stormwater planters continues.
- Forming of the walls for the stormwater planters on Newport Avenue continues.
- Excavation for stormwater planters along Newport Avenue continues.
- Replacement of the existing water main is completed, and testing is performed.
- Replacement of domestic water service lines continues.
- Removal of the old sewer main is completed.
- Begin the construction of the subgrade and aggregate base.
DETOURS IN EFFECT- SEE DETOUR MAP BELOW
Traffic Closures and Changes
- NW Newport Avenue closed from Knoxville Boulevard through the 14th Street roundabout
- NW 14th Street closed between NW Ogden Avenue and NW Milwaukee Avenue (no alley outlets onto 14th Street)
- NW 15th Street closed between NW Milwaukee and NW Newport Avenue
- NW Milwaukee Avenue, one-way eastbound traffic only from NW Stannium Road to NW 12th Street

GENERAL PROJECT NOTES
- Access to all area businesses along the construction corridor will be maintained.
- Please do not enter the construction zone before, during, or after hours.
- Daytime work hours are in effect from 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM.
- The ‘Tree Preservation and Removal Overview Exhibits’ can be found on the project website. These exhibits provide design details about each tree being removed and where new trees will be planted.
- There are many construction projects in the area and throughout the City of Bend. Travel safely.
PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS
- EMS, buses, and other delivery/service providers have been included in the project updates distribution list.
- Please help us spread the word to your clients, customers, and delivery personnel regarding detouring and closures.
- Share the project website (provided below), where others can also sign up for project updates.
- Please contact the project team if you are not the correct contact for your organization or if others need to be included.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?
Project Website: https://www.bendoregon.gov/newportimprovements
24-Hour Construction Phone Line: 541-200-6972
Project Contacts:
- Brittany Barker, PE – City of Bend Principal Engineer – bbarker@bendoregon.gov
- Peter Guth, Project Public Involvement Coordinator – pguth@dowl.com or 548-256-6007