Mile-long pipeline upgrade to start in July

from Eugene Water and Electric Board

EWEB will soon begin construction of a 36-inch water transmission pipeline and 24-inch storm drain replacement on Hilyard Street between East 33rd Avenue and Patterson Street.

Work is expected to begin on Patterson Street and East 40th Avenue the week of July 5.

Here’s what to expect during the first phase of work (from July to September):

• Residents on Patterson Street and the intersection of Patterson and East 40th may experience intermittent water service disruptions. This is necessary to move customers and fire hydrants to new pipelines and to abandon the old pipelines. Impacted customers will receive additional notices of the timeframe and duration of planned outages.
• Direct access to driveways on Patterson Street will be restricted for approximately one month during work hours. “No Parking” signs will be placed at least 24 hours prior to starting the work.
• Contractors will do their best to provide access upon request but due to the nature of the work, access cannot be guaranteed at all times. Contractors have been directed to restore access to properties outside of work hours whenever feasible, but Patterson Street residents may elect to temporarily park outside the work zone.
• There may be changes to mail and trash service routines on Patterson Street. The contractor will work with service providers to make sure services still happen.
• The intersection at East 40th and Patterson Street will be closed for approximately two weeks in early July. Local traffic will be able to enter the work zone outside work hours and through traffic can detour along East 39th Place. The contractor will place road closure message boards in the area prior to starting work.
• Construction will create noise, traffic, vibration, and dust and disrupt normal neighborhood activity.
• Work will typically begin at 7 a.m. and conclude by 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Contractors may need to leave tools, machines, and supplies on the street overnight. For your own safety, please stay away from them.

The project will connect the new East 40th water storage tanks to the water transmission system near 33rd Avenue and will upgrade nearly one mile of existing drinking water pipe from cast iron to ductile iron.

The transmission main will be constructed out of welded steel, which is the one of the most seismically robust materials available but does require a more involved construction process and large equipment to install. The smaller water pipes will be constructed out of ductile iron pipes which are lighter, stronger, and more durable than cast iron, and can have a lifespan of over 100 years. EWEB is installing multiple barriers to corrosion on the new pipelines to ensure the longest lifespan possible.

Phase 2 is scheduled to begin on Hilyard Street in September.

For more information, call the project team at 541-685-7899 or email water.storage@eweb.org to reach Water Tanks Project Manager Laura Farthing, Pipeline Project Manager Chris Irvin, Communications Supervisor Jen Connors, and Water Engineering Supervisor Wally McCullough.