Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project Update – March 12, 2024

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. 

PROJECT UPDATE

PHASE 1

Subproject 4 (Awbrey Reservoir Outlet Transmission Upsize) and Subproject 5 (NW 9th Street Waterline) improvements will continue with the installation of catch basins and dry wells through March. The waterline work along NW Ninth Street is nearing completion, with crews set to return in the spring for the final phase of permanent paving restoration between NW Trenton and Newport Avenue. Please be advised of localized alternating traffic patterns while crews finish up Phase 1 work. 

PHASE 2

In January, Phase 2 of construction started with the sewer main on Shevlin Park Road, from Silas to Mt. Washington, and water main along Portland Avenue from Wall Street to First Street.

Throughout March, various traffic modifications are scheduled. Notably, a night closure at the Mt. Washington roundabout is planned from March 17 to March 24, and the Portland Bridge is set to reopen on March 18. Additional subproject details and traffic changes are outlined below. The schedule is weather-dependent. 

Work will occur within the Public Right of Way and includes trenched construction with rock excavation, pipe, fittings, valves, water meters, and surface restoration. 

In advance of construction activities in your neighborhood, residents will receive a more detailed notification with specific information regarding construction impacts.  

Construction areas include old pipe removal and cured in place pipe improvements

SUBPROJECT 8

Stage 1: Shevlin Park Road – Mt. Washington ROUNDABOUT NIGHT CLOSURE Begins March 17 

To minimize disruptions to the public, construction crews will be performing night work. Residents should expect construction noise from heavy equipment and rock hammering that is anticipated to last up to eight days. Beginning the evening of March 17 through March 24, the Mt. Washington Roundabout will undergo night closures between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. for water and sewer tie-ins within the roundabout. Beyond these specified hours, the roundabout will be accessible. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience. 

Starting March 25, Shevlin Park Road traffic detour will be flipped. Westbound traffic will be able to utilize Shevlin Park Road but it will be closed to eastbound traffic. Expect possible traffic delays during this transition. Local access and emergency vehicle entry will be maintained. Please be aware that the westbound lane of Shevlin Park Road may experience temporary closures in the future due to private development work. 

Shevlin Park Road detour

SUBPROJECT 2 

Portland Avenue and Bridge – Portland Bridge Reopening Monday, March 18 

The first stage of waterline improvements on the Portland Avenue Bridge is concluding this week. The bridge will be accessible to all traffic starting Monday, March 18. Please note that the opening is contingent on weather conditions. Additionally, short periods of franchise utility work, asphalt, and concrete restoration work are anticipated periodically through spring 2025. Awbrey waterline subproject 2


Phase 2 improvements:

Awbrey Waterline project includes three phases with several subprojects per phase

Selective stormwater improvements and a portion of the voter-approved 2020 Transportation GO Bond Portland Avenue improvements are being constructed as part of the Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project to take advantage of synergy opportunities.  

What to Expect During Phase 2 Construction 

We’re committed to limiting construction impacts on neighbors and community members. Our construction management plan includes minimizing impacts from traffic, noise, dust, and other construction concerns. 

Construction will generally occur Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours and weekends (as needed and on a very limited basis). Any work that includes crossing driveways will be coordinated with residents one day prior to commencing work and again on the day of work before being impacted. Emergency Medical Services, mail, garbage, and delivery services will have continued access.  

If there is a planned shutdown of the water service that will impact your property, you will be notified ahead of time. If there are delays to the schedule, a project representative will be on-site and will attempt to notify you. 

The construction is taking place within the Public Right-Of-Way. Please visit the project website to learn more about public Right-Of-Way.  

 
You can monitor current and upcoming detours and closures at bendoregon.gov/traffic

For additional information, Subproject details, or to sign up for regular project updates for the Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project, please visit: bendoregon.gov/awbrey-waterline.  

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