The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) recently received State approval to lower speed limits from 30 to 25 mph on NE Glisan Street between NE 57th and 82nd Avenues. These lower speeds, combined with funded intersection improvements at NE 80th and 82nd Avenues and unfunded enhanced crossings planned to the west, create a concerted effort to improve walkability. With NE Glisan Street’s speed limit already 25 mph west of NE 57th Avenue, this change provides a consistent traffic flow along the growing Neighborhood Main Street.
PBOT revealed the planned speed change at the March 12th Vestal School PTA meeting to an overwhelmingly supportive crowd. PBOT representative Dylan Rivera said in a subsequent communication that crews will replace the current speed limit signs within the next few months, and new speed restrictions will take effect when posted. Lower speeds can help people avoid crashes by giving drivers more reaction time, and research shows that it can reduce injury if a collision occurs. “Small changes in speed can have big impacts in making our streets safer. As people travel faster, the risk of death or serious injury rises dramatically,” explained Rivera.
Lowering the speed limit is only one part of improving pedestrian safety, particularly when some drivers regularly exceed the current 30 mph speed limit. To help people cross and encourage appropriate speeds, PBOT intends to install more pedestrian refuge islands with curb extensions that visually narrow the roadway. These inroad elements also encourage more thoughtful turning by shortening the turning radius. They also plan to add marked high-visibility crosswalks, cautioning motorists to yield to pedestrians. The City needs additional money for enhanced crossings west of NE 74th Avenue, but PBOT is committed to seeking funding for those projects.
Speed limit changes are not arbitrary, and PBOT required approval from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to make these changes. A 2022 state law allows Oregon cities to apply for the authority to designate speed limits on roads they maintain. However, those municipalities must designate an engineer to oversee the process, and Rivera explained that ODOT currently controls most of Portland’s speed limits.
Drivers should anticipate seeing the new 25 mph signs on NE Glisan west of NE 82nd Avenue within the coming months. Portland Police will know about the change, and the bureau may deploy its Photo Enforcement van to the area as it often does on SE Stark Street, where the speed limit lowers to 20 mph. Pedestrians and cyclists may see progress on the NE 80th Avenue crossing begin in the latter half of 2024. Look for more news about NE Glisan crossings as funding sources become available.
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