North Interceptor Sewer Line Project Update – July 6, 2021

Thank you for your interest in the North Interceptor Sewer Line Project.

The North Interceptor Sewer Line is a large diameter sewer transmission line that allows the City to decommission pump stations and increase sewer capacity as part of the Community-supported Growth Plan.

The project is broken up into three distinct Phases:

Phase I: Complete 

Phase II: June 2020 – Spring 2022, Pioneer Loop through Juniper Ridge to Clausen Road just west of Highway 97.

Phase III: TBD, Clausen Road to O.B. Riley Road.

A map depicting phases 1 through 3, the future East Interceptor, the Urban Growth Boundary, and Bend's city limits.
Above: North Interceptor Alignment 

Phase I

Phase I was completed on schedule in December 2020.

Phase II – Segment 1 (Pioneer Loop and Margaret Lane)

Phase II – Segment 1 was completed in April 2021.

Phase II – Segment 2 (City-owned Juniper Ridge Property)

This area remains closed to all unauthorized personnel until the completion of construction. Open-trench pipe installation continues for the 8,845-foot segment through the Juniper Ridge Property towards the BNSF railroad crossing. Restoration of the work area will begin in the Juniper Ridge Property west of the Central Oregon Irrigation District pipeline after the connection to the BNSF trenchless crossing. 

Drilling and blasting operations near the North Pointe neighborhood will begin this month to allow for the installation of the North Pointe pump station sewer lateral. Residents can expect some routine construction noise and dust; however, crews will work to mitigate these impacts to the neighborhood. Light duty pick-up trucks and survey crews may also be visible on Hunters Circle. All heavy construction traffic will occur on City property. Rock crushing operations will continue in Juniper Ridge as well.

What you can expect during blasting activities: 

  • Air horns leading up to the blast 
  • Sounds and light ground vibration during the blast 
  • Dust in the air that will dissipate quickly after the blast 
  • Faint smell of explosive material that will dissipate quickly after the blast

A map depicting the Juniper Ridge Construction Zone, the COID Pilot Butte main canal, and Phase II Segments 1 through 3 sewer alignements.
Above: Phase II Segment 2 Sewer Alignment

Phase II – Segment 3 (BNSF railroad, adjacent to and across HWY 97 to Clausen Road)

Drilling and blasting operations will mobilize their equipment and begin work to the west of the BNSF railroad crossing, and head west towards Highway 97. These efforts will be ahead of the installation of the sewer pipeline west of the BNSF railroad starting this month as well. Hammering efforts along the eastern shoulder of Hwy 97 will continue with a pedestrian access route along the work zone. Please be aware of construction activities and drive carefully through the work zone. Sewer pipe and maintenance hole installation will begin early to mid-summer under single-lane nighttime closures on northbound Hwy 97. 

A map depicting Phase II, Segments 2 & 3 sewer alignments (Clausen Road to Juniper Ridge) scheduled Fall 2020 - Spring 2022.
Above: Phase II Segment 3 Sewer Alignment

Thank you for your patience and support as we complete this important infrastructure project.

To attend the virtual open house, obtain additional project information, or sign up for email updates, please visit the project website at www.bendoregon.gov/north-interceptor. Additionally, you may call the project team at (541) 382-3264. 

Photos from Phase II Construction

A photo of work crews using large excavation equipment to perform pre-hammering efforts on the shoulder of OR Hwy 97.
Above: OR 97 – Pre-hammering Efforts

A photo of the traffic control in place on the shoulder of OR Hwy 97.
Above: OR 97 – Traffic Control

A photo of work crews and large equipment installing pipe in a large trench at Juniper Ridge.
Above: Juniper Ridge Pipe Installation

A photo of work crews and large equipment installing pipe at Juniper Ridge.
Above: Juniper Ridge Pipe Installation

Accommodation Information for People With Disabilities

These meetings/event locations are accessible. Sign language interpreter service, assistive listening devices, materials in alternate formats such as Braille, large print, electronic & CD Formats, or any other accommodations are available upon advance request. To obtain this information, please contact the project team at northinterceptorinfo@bendoregon.gov or (541) 382-3264; Relay Users Dial 7-1-1, and (541) 385-6676. Providing at least three days’ notice prior to an event will help ensure availability.

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