CONSTRUCTION & CLOSURES

Washington Park Reservoir Improvement Project

Expect road closures within the Park through late fall 2024.

The Portland Water Bureau recently replaced reservoirs built in 1894 with a new 12.4-million-gallon, seismically reinforced underground reservoir. Come 2025, Washington Park will be home to not only a new reservoir, but also a cascading water feature, reflecting pool, and lowland wildlife habitat area.

Here’s where you can read the full project overview and see detailed project construction updates.

Road closure details and dates due to this construction are below.

MADISON TRAIL CLOSURE

The Madison Drive walking and biking trail is closed to all traffic within Washington Park, from SW Madison Street to SW Sacajawea Boulevard. The trail closure will last until October.

The traveling public is reminded to stay alert and use caution. Hikers should follow temporary pedestrian access routes and detours and remain vigilant to changes in traffic patterns around the closure area. Bicyclists should use caution when sharing the road with vehicles around the closure area, and drivers should be on the lookout for bikes in the roadway.

Sacajawea Blvd. Closure

SW Sacajawea Boulevard will be closed to all traffic in July until October. 

The Washington Park Free Shuttle stop at the historic Park Place Entrance will be out of service. You can exit the shuttle at the Oregon Holocaust Memorial to access the Lewis & Clark Monument.

Detour routes will change as work progresses. Traffic signs and flaggers will direct travelers around the closure areas. Use caution and follow all instructions when passing through the area.

Sherwood Blvd. Closure

SW Sherwood Boulevard will be closed to all traffic in September until November.

Detour routes will change as work progresses. Traffic signs and flaggers will direct travelers around the closure areas. Use caution and follow all instructions when passing through the area.

Expect a different TriMet Line 63 route through late fall 2024.

63-Washington Park/SW 6th connects the International Rose Test Garden/Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park with Pioneer Square in Downtown Portland and Providence Park. Due to the Reservoir construction, the route has changed temporarily. You can view it here.

For trips to the Rose Garden, there is no service on:

SW Park Pl & Green
SW Park Pl & Lewis & Clark

For trips to Portland, there is no service on:

SW Park Pl & Wright
SW Park Pl & Douglas

Tanner Trunk Sewer Project

Expect traffic delays September 20 – 23 and September 27 – 30.

Environmental Services is constructing a project to replace 800 feet of large-diameter brick sewer pipes located in Highway 26 south of Washington Park. These repairs are necessary to maintain reliable sewer service and protect public health and the environment. Each weekend, work will begin on Friday at 9 pm and continue all hours, day and night, ending Monday by 5 am.

Here’s where you can read the full project overview .

Highway 26 and connecting on and off ramps will remain open during all construction activities. However, one eastbound and one westbound lane will be closed near pipework locations to safely accommodate crews and equipment during sewer pipe inspections and repair work. Travelers can expect significant delays and are encouraged, when possible, to use an alternative route.