Bay Bridge Pump Station and Force Mains Replacement

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Construction continues on the Bay Bridge Pump Station and Force Mains Replacement Project, replacing critical infrastructure in the City of Newport Beach.

The first phase of construction replaces the dual force main system underneath and across the lower Newport Bay Channel. The force mains are two side-by-side sewer pipelines that are directly connected to the pump station. The second phase constructs a replacement pump station located next to the existing one. After the new pump station is in service, the old one will be demolished.

Please check this page regularly for the most up-to-date information.

Current Work

Location: Coast Highway next to OC San’s existing pump station and near Dover Drive

Construction of the tunnel beneath the lower Newport Bay is complete and now serves as the pathway for the new force mains. Crews installed two new force mains inside the tunnel and connecting them to the sewer system.

  • When: Ongoing through Fall 2026*
  • Work Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • What to Expect:
    • Construction activity, dust, and noise near the work areas
    • Coast Highway open to traffic in both directions
    • Some activities may need to occur during non-peak traffic to minimize traffic impacts
Five construction workers at the bottom of a deep excavation working on the two force main pipes.

Crews in the bottom of the pit working on the two new force mains.

 

Location: Coast Highway next to OC San’s existing pump station

As work on the new force mains is ongoing, crews are moving into phase 2 of constructing a new pump station. Potholing will place take to confirm locations of utilities, the current wall around the existing pump station has been demolished, and equipment will be delivered to the site. Constructing a new pump station will start with underground structures.

  • When: Ongoing through 2029*
  • Work Hours: Monday–Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • What to Expect:
    • Construction activity, dust, and noise near the work areas
    • Lane reductions on Coast Highway may be necessary but will be open to traffic in both directions
    • Some activities may need to occur during non-peak traffic outside of work hours to minimize traffic impacts

*All dates and times are subject to change due to operational factors or inclement weather.

We are working closely with the City of Newport Beach and Caltrans to minimize impacts and appreciate the community’s patience as we perform this work. The safety of the public and our crews remain our top priority.

Project Description

This project will replace the existing Bay Bridge Pump Station located on Coast Highway between the Bay Bridge (east of Dover Drive) and Bayside Drive in the City of Newport Beach. The project will also replace the pressurized pipes, also referred to as force mains, consisting of two parallel pipelines which carry wastewater across the lower Newport Bay Channel. Wastewater then makes it way to OC San’s Reclamation Plant No. 2 in Huntington Beach.

Project Background

The Bay Bridge Pump Station was originally constructed in 1966 and is over 50 years old. The force mains are also over 50 years old. These critical assets are reaching the end of their useful life and need to be replaced to ensure they are reliable for the next 50 years. The new facility will be built to current structural and safety codes, making it safe and reliable to workers and the public.

The Bay Bridge Pump Station and Force Mains are located near pristine beaches along the Newport Channel Bay and is surrounded by residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the world. This pump station system transports between 4 to 18 million gallons of wastewater every day from the Newport Beach community. This project is needed to ensure we continue to collect, transport, and recycle Newport Beach’s wastewater safely while protecting the public health and the environment.

More information about the project can be found in the FAQ section.

CEQA: 

All CEQA documents can be viewed here.

Status: 

The project is currently in construction.

 

Local Sewer Maintenance: 

  • City of Newport Beach – Water and Wastewater Services – (949) 644-3011

Stay In The Know

Community Liaison:
(714) 378-2965

Email:
constructionhotline@ocsan.gov

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Related Construction

Site Location

Construction Schedule

2025-2029

Construction Budget

$87.3 million