The City of Bend’s ongoing work on sewer line improvement throughout the city has moved out east of town, as work begins today (Monday, August 8) on 27th Street.

This is not a small project: it is expected to last at least two years and ultimately encompass 27th Street from Reed Market Road to Medical Center Drive (just south of Neff Road).

Yes, two years, with a projected finish date of July 2018.

The initial work starts out at the intersection with Highway 20, between Grand Drive and Twin Knolls Drive. Highway 20 itself should remain open.

From the City’s project page:

What to Expect During Construction

Construction includes open-cut excavation work along the project streets listed on the map shown above.

• Construction will create noise, vibration, dust, and will disrupt normal street activity.
• Heavy construction equipment, crews and machinery will be on-site.
• Construction activities include but are not limited to excavation, hammering, drilling, and blasting.
• Prior to any blasting, the contractor is required to offer a pre-construction survey of your home/business at no cost to you. This pre-construction survey is only performed with your permission.

Business Access During Construction

• Left turn movements will be restricted onto and off of 27th Street while work progresses through each intersection. A minimum of one point of access to the Forum, Twin Knolls, and Bellevue shopping areas will be maintained throughout the project.
• Delivery traffic may be rerouted as the project proceeds south from Forum Drive to Bear Creek Road. Ample notification will be provided.
• Traffic plans, including detours, will be posted well in advance of the affected intersections.
• The SEI public involvement team will be providing informational meetings.

Hours of Construction

• Typically 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, but the contractor may schedule work during the same hours on Saturdays, if necessary.
• Night work may be included in some areas to better deflect conflicts with business hours.
• Construction schedule is subject to change due to a variety of factors, including conditions underground, weather, traffic impacts, subcontractor schedules, and availability of materials.

On the one hand, upgrades to the sewer system (which is already at capacity) is much-needed and will definitely improve the city infrastructure. On the other hand, two years!

Plan accordingly.