Bay Bridge Pump Station and Force Mains Replacement

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 are installing two new force mains inside the tunnel.

• When: Ongoing through Fall 2026*
• Work Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 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

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

As work on the new force mains is ongoing, crews are beginning to move into phase 2 of constructing a new pump station. First, potholing will place take to confirm locations of utilities, equipment will be delivered to the site, and the current wall around the existing pump station will be demolished. This will be followed by constructing a new pump station starting with underground structures.

• When: Ongoing through 2029*
• Work Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 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 to minimize traffic impacts

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

Sections of HDPE pipe are staged at the construction site and will be fused together to form the new force main before being installed.

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.