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 Patterson Street, E. 40th Avenue, and Hilyard Street
UPDATE June 3, 2024:
EWEB contractors expect to complete the current phase of construction by mid-June. The remaining work on this phase includes testing the storm drain piping, filling the abandoned storm drain with concrete, installing manhole covers, concrete repairs to a section of multi-use path, cleanup, demobilization of equipment, and completion of temporary paving.
Once the contractors complete these items over the coming weeks, EWEB crews will then be onsite for approximately one month to do the final disinfection and testing of the new pipes and switch around 50 customers to the new water system from the old system.
EWEB crews will notify you if your water service will be impacted for more than a brief time period. Most interruptions usually last less than one hour but occasionally longer outages are required to complete the work.
EWEB and the City of Eugene are coordinating to do final permanent repairs to the street with the City’s planned reconstruction of Hilyard Street later this summer.
More about this 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.
Work is being done in coordination with planned City of Eugene road reconstruction of Hilyard Street scheduled for summer 2024.
Local residents and businesses will have access during construction, but travelers should expect traffic delays and detours, including sidewalk and bike lane closures on the stretch of Hilyard between Dillard Road and East 36th Avenue.
Please avoid the area if possible. When traveling in the work zone, please drive carefully and comply with posted signage and the direction of construction crews.
