On March 29, 2023, City of The Dalles Public Works crews were working Phase 2 of a sanitary sewer main replacement project on E. 9th Street when excavation had to be stopped due to a dig into underground utilities. The City had contacted the 811 Utility Notification Center to locate existing underground utilities and utilities were clearly marked. Unfortunately, the markings provided for an existing privately-owned fiber optic line were incorrect and City crews excavated into and damaged it. Work by a private contractor to complete an emergency repair of the damaged fiber optic line extended well into Wednesday night and have been completed.
The City will be suspending work on its project in E 9th St west of Quinton Street while the City works with the private utility owners to resolve any potential conflicts. The trench will be filled and roads reopened for use by this coming weekend. After that, work by the City on its pipeline replacement project will not resume in this area until the City is confident that excavation can be done safely, without interrupting utility service.
If you have questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (541) 296-5401 or call the after hours number at (541) 980-7703.