EWEB is working on several pipeline projects to enhance the reliability and seismic resiliency of drinking water service for Eugene residents. The work is part of a multi-year plan to upgrade aging infrastructure and build new water facilities designed to withstand a large earthquake or other natural disaster.
EWEB is committed to being a good neighbor during construction by completing projects as safely and efficiently as possible, but construction may cause traffic disruptions or other inconveniences. Whenever possible, work will be coordinated to reduce the impacts on close by neighbors, businesses, and travelers.
Water Pipeline on Patterson Street, E. 40th Avenue, and Hilyard Street
Construction is underway on a 36-inch water transmission pipeline and 24-inch storm drain replacement on Hilyard Street between E. 33rd Ave. and Patterson Street. The project will connect the new E. 40th water storage tanks to the water transmission system near 33rd Ave. and will upgrade nearly one mile of existing drinking water pipe.
The transmission main will be constructed out of welded steel, which is the one of the most seismically robust materials available and can have a lifespan of over 100 years. The project will also replace and improve stormwater piping along Hilyard Street.
The new pipelines will run from Patterson Street, along a short stretch of E. 40th Avenue, and down Hilyard Street to 33rd Avenue.
Crews have already installed a section of the new pipeline in Patterson Street. Work on Hilyard Street will begin in early September.
Local residents and businesses will have access during construction, but travelers should expect traffic delays and detours, including sidewalk and bike lane closures along Hilyard from E. 33rd to E. 40th Avenues from September 2023 through summer 2024.
The entire project is expected to take about a year, including construction of new pipelines, manholes and hydrants, inspection and flushing of the new water mains, backfilling, and restoration.
Work on this project is being done in coordination with planned City of Eugene road reconstruction of Hilyard Street scheduled for summer 2024.
Here are the anticipated closures beginning early September 2023 and lasting for approximately three months:
- Hilyard Street will be closed to through traffic just north of E. 38th Avenue
- The intersection at Hilyard and Dillard Road will be closed
- E. 39th Avenue between Donald and Hilyard will be closed to through traffic
- E. 40th Avenue between Donald and Hilyard will be closed to through traffic
Chambers Street Pipeline
EWEB is upgrading a half mile stretch of 6” cast iron pipe to 8” ductile iron pipe. The larger pipe will better meet the needs of the community and enhance resiliency, as ductile iron is lighter, stronger, and more durable than cast iron, and can have a lifespan of over 100 years. Water pipeline work is planned for summer 2023 in coordination with planned City of Eugene road improvements. Pipeline construction work will be performed by the City’s contractor simultaneously with road work in order to reduce the duration and impacts to the public.
Travelers should expect traffic delays on Chambers between 18th Avenue and 24th Avenue. People walking and biking should expect detours. The city of Eugene will be sending and posting additional communications regarding this project.
Agate Street Water Main Replacement and Shasta Water Tank Upgrades
EWEB is upgrading a one-quarter mile stretch of water pipeline on Agate Street approximately from Black Oak Road to Firland Drive. The work is expected to start in June 2023 and is being done in coordination with planned City of Eugene road improvements. Travelers should expect traffic delays on Agate Street during construction and people walking and biking should expect detours and other temporary impacts.
The new pipeline will replace a critical section of 12” cast iron pipeline between two EWEB water storage tanks on North Shasta Loop and Agate Street with a new 12” ductile iron water main. Additionally, an existing 6-inch cast iron water main will be replaced and upsized to 8-inch water main to improve system resiliency and improve fire flows in the area. Later this summer, EWEB will begin work to replace the two aging storage tanks.
Amazon Parkway Main looping
EWEB is looping together two pipelines to improve water quality and increase fire flows on Amazon Parkway. The work is expected to begin in late June or early July and will impact traffic for 2-3 weeks at the intersection of Amazon Parkway and E. 24th Avenue. Work on this project is being done in coordination with planned City of Eugene road repaving of Amazon Parkway in summer 2024.
