Within project maps presented in the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) Building a Better 82nd Avenue 2024 Online Open House are a collection of active and longer-term visionary projects that could reshape multi-modal access in the area and help reconnect communities divided by a former state highway. The four maps covering 82nd Avenue also include proposed station locations for TriMet’s FX Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) under development for the 72 line. Several projects on the map are under construction or funded and awaiting final designs. Others represent identified needs seeking funding or general project ideas collected from community feedback that require further support before moving forward.
Since the jurisdictional transfer of 82nd Avenue from the Oregon Department of Transportation to PBOT on June 1, 2022, planners have worked to implement safety improvements and address deferred maintenance along the seven-mile stretch of a roadway designed to move people across the city. Like a freeway, its pre-2022 design segmented communities and split neighborhoods. As housing around the road became more dense and businesses took root on 82nd Avenue, conflicts between motorists and neighborhood users became pronounced, leading to fatalities. Community advocacy and leadership at all levels of government helped transfer this section of 82nd Avenue to Portland with $185 million in support funding. Many projects on Open House maps include projects funded by that pool of money, but additional financial support could come from proposed transit investments and Tax increment financing (TIF).
Montavilla residents will find many nearby mapped projects underway or funded, including pedestrian and bicycle crossings of 82nd Avenue at NE Davis, SE Ash, and SE Clinton Streets. Crews recently completed a new enhanced crossing of NE Glisan at 80th Avenue, enabling a future extension of the 70’s Greenway on NE 80th Avenue north of NE Everett Street to the future mini roundabout on NE Halsey Street. Current plans also have funding for a sidewalk extension across from Portland Community College’s southeast campus between the mid-block crossing and SE Division Street.
PBOT encourages residents and street users to review the maps and other Open House materials before participating in its survey. This feedback method is the community’s latest opportunity to guide the next wave of project priorities as the Transportation Bureau seeks new funding and allocates current resources.
Disclosure: The author of this article serves on the Building a Better 82nd Community Advisory Group and serves on the 82nd Avenue Business Association board.
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