For residents in Multnomah County who may have been wondering about the recent halt in construction on the local water bureau project, the answer lies in compliance. Citing a need "to protect public health and safety, secure construction sites, and comply with permits, including erosion, sediment, and dust control," the Water Bureau has hit pause on the construction during the Multnomah County remand period, as reported on the bureau's website. While the main project is on hold, crews are not sitting idle. Last Friday saw them busy with temporary cold patch pothole repairs on Cottrell Road between Dodge Park Boulevard and Lusted Road, as well as at the Dodge Park Boulevard/Altman intersection.
In the interim, the bureau plans to follow up quickly with a more robust solution. According to their announcement, a hot patch repair, known for its longevity and durability compared to cold patching, is on the slate for the aforementioned locations. This work is scheduled from Wednesday, April 2 to Friday, April 4, "weather permitting." The repairs are essential to maintain road usability and safety for the community and in lieu of the full construction activities currently on pause.
The community can expect some degree of disruption during this time. Hot patching, which requires specific temperature conditions to be effective, involves heating asphalt to a pliable state to ensure a more seamless and permanent repair. As such, those in the neighborhood might need to adjust their routines slightly to accommodate the construction schedule.
This work reflects a broader understanding that responsible stewardship of our urban environment requires ongoing maintenance and care. It may function as a less visible counterpart to dramatic overhauls, but it is work that must be equally honored. As the crews prepare to safely execute their tasks, city dwellers would be well-advised to note the planned road work and potentially re-route to avoid delays or inconveniences.
