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.
Important safety reminders
- Avoid active work zones if possible.
- When you need enter the work zone, please wait for the contractor or EWEB staff to escort you safely through. This may take a few minutes but will ensure you pass though the work area safely.
- Make sure to check your surroundings, including overhead.
- When heavy equipment is in use, make eye contact with the operator and wait for them to acknowledge you before entering the work zone.
- Remember that construction equipment can move suddenly and quickly.
- Don't linger. Get through quickly and watch your step.
Water Pipeline on E. 40th Avenue and Hilyard Street
UPDATE AUGUST 28, 2024:
This summer, EWEB successfully completed the current phase of Hilyard pipeline construction and transitioned customers to the new water system. The work included constructing a 36-inch water transmission pipeline and replacing a 24-inch storm drain from the intersection of Patterson Street and E. 40th Avenue, down Hilyard Street to 33rd Avenue.
In addition, EWEB contractors performed temporary street repairs, allowing this heavily used stretch of Hilyard Street to be fully re-opened to vehicle traffic. These repairs will keep the road safe and passable until the City of Eugene begins its permanent paving project later this year.
Next phase of work: Expect traffic impacts on E. 40th late September through early December
With the primary section of the Hilyard pipeline now operational, EWEB is preparing to move forward with the next phases of this essential infrastructure upgrade.
In late September, EWEB began replacing the main water pipeline beneath E. 40th Avenue from Patterson Street west to Mill Street. The existing 6-inch cast iron pipe, installed in the 1950s, will be upgraded to new 12-inch ductile iron pipe. The smaller service pipes that connect to homes and buildings will also be replaced.
The work is expected to take approximately 14 weeks and may cause temporary traffic delays in the area shown below.
Looking ahead
Pipeline work in south Eugene will continue into 2025. EWEB will extend an existing 12-inch main along Dillard Road from Hilyard to Fox Hollow, and connect the new Hilyard pipeline to another connection point near 34th and Hilyard.
This will be the final phase of an almost 10-year project to connect together multiple reservoirs and pump stations for redundancy, resiliency, improved water quality, and to allow EWEB to retire and replace aging infrastructure in the area.
More about the Hilyard Pipeline project:
In September 2023, EWEB began constructing a 36-inch water transmission pipeline and 24-inch storm drain replacement on Hilyard Street between E. 33rd Ave. and Patterson Street. The project connects the new E. 40th water storage tanks to the water transmission system near 33rd Ave. and upgrades nearly one mile of existing drinking water pipe.
The transmission main is constructed out of welded steel, which is one of the most seismically robust materials available and can have a lifespan of over 100 years. The project also replaced and improved stormwater piping along Hilyard Street.
The new pipelines run from Patterson Street, along a short stretch of E. 40th Avenue, and down Hilyard Street to 33rd Avenue.
