Skyhar Dr. Water Main Replacement

Project Status
Completed
Project Type
Waterline replacement

SW Skyhar Dr., from SW Oleson Rd. to SW Obrien St.
Portland, OR 97223

Description

 

UPDATE:

  • Project Complete: The main replacement project is complete.  

Project Overview

TVWD will be:

  • Replacing about 1,350 feet of 6-inch cast iron water main under SW Skyhar Dr., from SW Oleson Rd. to SW Obrien St., with 8-inch ductile iron main.
  • Installing new or relocating fire hydrants.

Water mains are underground pipes in the street that carry treated drinking water from a water treatment plant to homes and businesses within TVWD's water service area.

Project Map

View a map of the worksite and the project's public outreach area.

General Impacts

During construction, there will be noise, dust, and vibrations. Watch our short video to learn more about what to expect.

Work Schedule
  • Weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
General Impacts 
  • Large equipment in the area
  • A drone may be used to document progress 
Traffic, Parking, and Access 
  • Temporary driveway access delays and parking restrictions
  • Temporary lane closures with traffic control and flaggers
  • Sidewalks will stay open along the project route
  • Mail, deliveries, and garbage collection will continue as usual 
Water Service 
  • Water service shutoffs may occur as part of this project. Impacted customers will receive at least 48 hours’ notice.

Construction Process

Phase 1: Install Sections of New Water Main and Install/Relocate Fire Hydrants

  • Crews will cut the pavement and dig a trench.  
  • New main will be installed in sections.  
  • The trench will be backfilled and covered with temporary asphalt.  
  • The new main will be tested to make sure it’s working properly.
  • Fire hydrants will be installed or relocated.

Phase 2: Reconnect Water Service Lines

  • Dig near each customer’s water meter to locate their water service line.
  • Disconnect each customer's service line – or the smaller pipes that branch off from the main and deliver water directly to homes and businesses – from the old main.
  • Connect each customer's service line to the new main.
  • Temporarily restore the area with an asphalt patch.

This phase will require a one-hour water service shut off to customers in the immediate area of the main installation. Impacted customers will receive an email notification in advance. TVWD will also knock on each customer's door before temporarily shutting off water service.

Phase 3: Connect New Main to Water System and Disconnect Old Main

  • Dig into the street to locate the new main.
  • Connect the newly installed main to the water system.
  • Dig into the street to locate the old main.
  • Disconnect the old main from the active water system.
  • Cap off both ends of the old main.
  • Leave the old main in place underground.
  • Temporarily restore the area with an asphalt patch.

This phase will require a four-to-six-hour water service shut off to customers in the immediate area of the main installation. Impacted customers will receive an email, text, automated phone call, and doorhanger at least 48-hours in advance of the shut off.  

Phase 4: Permanent Paving (by Contractor)

  • Remove the existing road surface using a heavy machine with a rotating drum and sharp blades.
  • Clean and prepare road surface.
  • Spread and compact hot asphalt evenly using paving machines and workers.
  • Apply a light dusting of sand to ensure safety and durability as the asphalt cures and settles.

Project Benefits

Sections of the current water main under Skydar Drive were installed in the late 1970s. Based on its age, condition, material, and leak history, it was prioritized for replacement.   

The project will improve the water system in this area by:

  • Boosting reliability: The new main will be stronger and less likely to leak, helping prevent service interruptions.  
  • Improving water flow: The larger, modern main can move more water at higher pressure to homes and hydrants in the neighborhood.  
  • Enhancing fire protection: Firefighters will have better access to water for emergency response. 

Status Updates

Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD), your drinking water provider, will soon begin a project to improve the water system serving your neighborhood.    

 

From Wednesday, Jan. 7 to Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, TVWD will:    

  • Replace about 1,350 feet of 6-inch cast iron water main under SW Skyhar Dr., between SW Oleson Rd. and SW Obrien St., with 8-inch ductile iron main.
  • Install new or relocate existing fire hydrants.  

Mains are underground pipes that carry treated drinking water to homes, businesses, and hydrants in TVWD's water service area. Hydrants provide firefighters with quick, reliable access to water if there’s a fire nearby. 

 

These improvements are designed to enhance your water service and provide greater reliability. Learn more about the project below, including what to expect during construction.

Project Overview  

  • Start Date: Jan. 7 
  • End Date: Feb. 18
  • Work Schedule: Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.     
  • Work Area: Skyhar Dr., between Oleson Rd. and Obrien St.
  • Map: The work area is shown in red on the map below.

What to Expect  

General Impacts 

  • Large equipment in the area 
  • Noise, dust, and vibrations

Traffic, Parking, and Access 

  • Temporary lane closures with flaggers and detours 
  • Possible driveway delays and temporary parking restrictions on Skyhar Dr.
  • Sidewalks will stay open 
  • Mail, deliveries, and garbage collection will continue, as usual 

Water Service 

  • At some point during the project, there may be a brief interruption in the water service to your home. If an interruption is necessary, we will provide you with at least 48 hours' notice, so you can make any necessary preparations. 

Project Phases  

The project will be completed in four phases. Phases 1 through 3 are expected to be finished by Feb. 18, weather permitting. Paving the excavated areas only on Skyhar Dr. and Obrien St. will be completed later in 2026 when weather allows. Learn more about the phases.

Benefits and Cost

The existing main under Skyhar Dr. was installed in the late 1970s. Based on its age, condition, material, and leak history, it was prioritized for replacement.   

 

The project will improve the water system in this area by:    

  • Boosting reliability: The new main will be stronger and less likely to leak, helping prevent service interruptions.   
  • Improving water flow: The larger, modern main can move more water at higher pressure to homes and hydrants.   
  • Enhancing fire protection: Firefighters will have better access to water when needed. 

This $743,000 project is funded through existing water rates and is part of TVWD’s ongoing commitment to reliable, high-quality water service.  

Questions?  

  • Call: Lindsay Wochnick, TVWD Communications at (503) 848-3000 
  • Email: communications [at] tvwd.org (subject: , body: ) (Communications[at]TVWD[dot]org)  
  • Visit: TVWD.org/Skyhar

¿Necesita este aviso en español? Llame al (503) 848-3000 para ayuda con traducción.  

 

Thank you for your cooperation as we make important improvements to your neighborhood’s water system.  

Survey crews will be in your neighborhood over the next couple days collecting important data to help Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) prepare for the Skyhar Dr. Water Main Replacement Project, which will officially begin on Wednesday, Jan. 7.  

During this time, no action is needed from you. Crews will not enter private property, and there will be no permanent digging or changes to your property. Some temporary markings or low-impact activities may occur in public areas, such as streets, sidewalks, or grass.  

These early steps, like mapping the area and locating underground utilities, help shorten the project's construction time and reduce future disruptions to the neighborhood.  

What to Expect   

Crews will perform low-impact activities in the public right-of-way, including:  

  • Utility Markings: Temporary paint, flags, or stakes on streets, sidewalks, or grass to mark underground utilities. These markings will fade over time. Please do not move them - they are needed for accurate planning.  
  • Soil Testing (Potholing): Small holes dug in the roadway to check soil samples; holes will be filled with temporary asphalt the same day.  
  • Vehicles and Equipment: Temporary parking or staging of TVWD or contractor trucks and equipment near work areas or public easements. Access to homes and driveways will be maintained. 

Water service to your home will be turned off for about one hour on one weekday between February 9 and February 19, 2026. The shutoff will happen sometime between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Service will not be shut off on Monday, February 16, for the Presidents’ Day holiday. This work allows Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD), your drinking water provider, to connect your home’s individual water service line to the newly installed water main under SW Skyhar Drive. Your service line is a smaller underground pipe that delivers water from the main to your home.   Because more than 40 homes in your neighborhood need to be connected one at a time, we are unable to provide you with an exact shutoff schedule for your respective home. TVWD staff will knock on your door shortly before turning off your water, which will be unavailable for approximately one hour.  During the shut off, water will not be available from faucets, showers, toilets, or water-using appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines.   This work is part of the Skyhar Drive Water Main Replacement Project.   Below is more information about what to expect and how to prepare.  Water Shut Off Overview  

  • Date: One weekday between February 9 and February 19, 2026 (not February 16)
  • Time/Duration: Between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for about one hour     
  • Work Area: Near your water meter (usually by the street)  
  • Addresses Affected: Shown in yellow on the map below  

What to Expect During the Shut Off 

  • No water will be available from your home’s faucets, showers, toilets, or water-using appliances
  • Access to your home will be maintained, though there may be brief delays when using your driveway  
  • You may notice noise, dust, vibrations, and large equipment  
  • Traffic will be guided around the work area  
  • Restricted parking near the work area   
  • Mail, deliveries, and garbage service will continue as usual   

How to Prepare for the Shut Off   

  • Before the shut off: Fill clean containers with three to five gallons of tap water for drinking, cooking, and flushing toilets. Larger households may want to store more.  
  • During the shut off: Keep all faucets and water-using appliances turned off. This helps prevent air, debris, or sudden pressure changes from entering your plumbing when water service is restored.  
  • After the shut off: Turn on a faucet to check if water service has been restored. If no water comes out, turn off the faucet, wait 15 minutes, and try again. Once water is back on, run cold water for about two minutes to flush your plumbing.     

Files & Resources

Map

Timeline

Jan. 7 to Mar. 6, 2026

Budget

This project is a $743,000 investment in the water system, supported by water rates.

Contact Information
  • Call: (503) 848-3000
  • Communications [at] TVWD.org (Email)