Portland advances Bull Run raw water tunnel and pipeline construction
(UI) — The Portland Water Bureau is advancing construction of its Bull Run Filtration Project, including major underground pipeline and tunnel work designed to bring the city into compliance with federal and state drinking water regulations by September 30, 2027.
The project includes a new filtration facility at 35320 Carpenter Lane and multiple underground conveyance systems connecting the plant to Portland’s existing water infrastructure.
The 95-acre filtration facility is designed to treat up to 135 million gallons per day. At the site, crews are pouring concrete for treatment structures, excavating the raw water tunnel shaft and managing stormwater and erosion controls. Construction traffic, material deliveries and 24/7 site security operations remain ongoing.
Underground pipeline and tunnel work
Significant underground activity is underway on both the raw and finished water systems.
New raw water pipelines are being installed underground, connecting to existing conduits at Lusted Road before tunneling uphill along a Water Bureau easement to the filtration facility. Crews are currently excavating raw water pipeline tunnels and installing new pipeline segments beneath Lusted Road.
Noise and vibration associated with tunneling operations are expected to continue through May.
On the finished water side, more than 6,000 feet of new underground pipeline have already been installed. The finished water line will run from the filtration facility along Dodge Park Boulevard, cross a Water Bureau easement to a new intertie facility at 33444 Lusted Road, then extend along Lusted and Altman roads to connect with existing conduits near Pipeline Road and Oxbow Drive.
Intermittent concrete pours are underway at the new intertie facility, along with pipeline installation and ongoing erosion control measures.
Traffic impacts extend into 2027
Pipeline construction is generating temporary road closures and lane restrictions across Lusted Road, Altman Road, Dodge Park Boulevard, Cottrell Road and Oxbow Drive. Several local access-only closures and one-way traffic controls are scheduled to continue into 2027.
The Water Bureau says substantial completion remains targeted for September 30, 2027 — the deadline for delivering filtered Bull Run drinking water under Oregon Health Authority compliance requirements.
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