PORTLAND, Ore. – Traffic on a portion of S.E. Tacoma Street at 21st Avenue near Crystal Springs Creek is slower today, and it will continue to be slow through October. Flaggers are directing vehicles through a single traffic lane to accommodate construction by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Eventually traffic will flow in both directions at once, but be prepared to slow down and stop from time to time this summer as this activity is the beginning of major construction to replace the culvert under Tacoma.
In July travel lanes will be shifted to one side of the street, while half of the culvert is constructed on the other. Other impacts include:
• Pedestrian traffic detours
• S.E. 21st Avenue at Tenino Street is closed to through traffic; local access only
• Street parking is limited and prohibited in work zones
• Equipment and materials are stored on the street after hours
• Work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; some work may be required on Sunday
Parking in the immediate area is also restricted and access to some residences and businesses are impacted. Construction equipment and workers will be in the area through October 2013.
The Corps and the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services are working together to restore a portion of Crystal Springs Creek in an effort to improve fish habitat and passage. Culvert replacement is a key element of recovery of juvenile salmon and trout species. See the attached fact sheet to learn more about this project, or go to www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Currentprojects/CrystalSpringsCreekEcosystemRestoration.aspx.