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.
Please check this page regularly for the most up-to-date information.
Upcoming Work
As phase 1 to replace the force mains is ongoing, crews will begin to prep for phase 2 of constructing a new pump station. Potholing will take place, excavating small areas of the roadway with jackhammers and other equipment to locate and confirm the locations of existing underground utilities before construction begins.
Location: Sidewalk area near OC San’s existing pump station
- When: August 17–19*
- Night Work Hours: 8 p.m. – 6 a.m.
- What to Expect:
- Construction activity, dust, and noise near the work areas.
- Sidewalk closure and reduced lanes on westbound Coast Highway.
Current Work
Construction of the tunnel beneath the lower Newport Bay is complete and now serves as the pathway for the new force mains. Crews will be installing two new force mains inside the tunnel.
Location: Coast Highway next to OC San’s existing pump station and near Dover Drive
- When: Ongoing through late 2026*
- Work Hours: Monday–Saturday, 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
*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.
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