South End Road was damaged in March 2017 as a result of heavy rains. A state emergency declaration, which included Clackamas County, was signed by the governor that allowed Clackamas County to be eligible for the federal funding. Federal Emergency Relief Program (ERP) funds were received to stabilize the roadway and slope on South End Road near Coffee Creek (milepost 3.8).
Updated: Nov. 17, 2022
Clackamas County constructed temporary pavement repairs to these areas in the spring of 2017. Additional geotechnical exploration and surveying defined subsurface conditions and identified solutions to stabilize the slope.
Two types of retaining walls designed to prevent future slide activity will be built on the embankment along the north side of South End Road. A section of the roadway will be reconstructed where cracks have surfaced. Drainage will be improved on the west side of the road to carry water away from the roadway to prevent future damage.
Schedule
Construction is planned through Jan. 31, 2023 to complete construction of the retaining walls, placement of the base lifts of asphalt, installation of trees and shrubs, and temporary striping. The final layer of asphalt and permanent striping will be completed in the spring/summer of 2023. All work is expected to be completed by June of 2023.
Traffic impacts
The South End Road complete closure between Barker and 5th Ave will be extended through Jan. 31, 2023, depending on weather and availability of materials. The closure is needed to stabilize roadway and slope from historic slide activity.
The extension is due to conditions found during excavation and drilling activities.
When installing the anchors and retaining wall on South End Road at Coffee Creek, our contractor encountered large voids under the road. These voids are much larger than the voids found during test drilling when designing the project. To ensure a stable foundation, additional drilling and material was needed for the anchor system. These conditions have significantly delayed the construction contractor. Additionally, delays in material supplies have added to the delay for this project, including limited access to concrete material.
Final paving is tentatively scheduled for late spring 2023 during warmer weather.
Vehicles will be detoured along Warner-Parrot Road, Linn Ave., 5th St. and High St. Expect traffic delays up to 20 minutes for the final layer of asphalt and permanent striping. Flaggers will direct traffic through the work zone.
Current activities
- Construction in progress. All underground supports (102 piles) and 62 anchors for the second retaining wall have been placed.
- Crews are working to install the retaining wall on top of the underground supports. Future work includes drainage improvements, road repair, and placement of trees and shrubs.
Funding
- Estimated total project cost: $4.6 million
- Funded through a federal emergency relief program ($4 million) matched with county road funds ($600,000)
Other Resources
- Presentation to Canemah Neighborhood Association, April 15, 2021
