Portland, Ore., targets urgent sewer pipe failures with multi-year program

(UI) — The City of Portland is advancing a multi-year Priority Sewer Pipes Program aimed at repairing and replacing sanitary sewer lines in urgent need of attention across south and southwest neighborhoods.

The program is designed to accelerate construction timelines and bundle repairs across multiple locations, allowing the city to address deteriorating sewer infrastructure more efficiently. City officials say the approach helps prioritize pipes that pose risks to public safety, property protection and system reliability.

Several projects are currently in the design phase, with crews conducting utility surveys, soil sampling and site investigations. Design work at these locations is expected to wrap up by early 2026, with construction scheduled to begin in spring 2026 and last roughly two months at each site.

Planned work includes a mix of trenchless and open-cut construction methods, depending on site conditions. One location along SW Cheltenham Drive north of SW Pendleton Street will use cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, while most other sites — including sections of SW Westwood Drive, SW Sunset Boulevard, SW Bertha Boulevard and SW Cheltenham Street — will rely on open-cut replacement.

City crews say the sewer system in large portions of Portland dates back 80 to 150 years, requiring ongoing inspection and targeted upgrades to prevent failures. As priority pipes are identified, they are grouped with nearby segments to streamline design and construction.

Environmental Services staff and contractors will oversee construction and restoration, with final pavement and landscape repairs completed as conditions allow. Additional project locations will be added over time as inspections continue.

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