Sidewalk Network Grows on NE Halsey

Over the last several months, crews working with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) have created new segments of sidewalk along NE Halsey Street between NE 84th and 92nd Avenues as part of the NE Halsey Street (68th to 92nd Avenues) – Safety and Access to Transit Project. This infrastructure work aims to enhance biking and walkability on the busy roadway, which was previously made hostile to non-automotive travel due to freeway construction projects decades ago. This long-anticipated update builds upon substantial street safety improvements undertaken in 2024, when roadwork reconfigured NE Halsey Street between 68th and 81st Avenues, removing a lane in each direction while adding painted buffered bike lanes and a center turn lane.

Construction site on NE Halsey Street with workers in safety vests and traffic cones, alongside residential houses. — *_{Contractors finishing new curb cuts leading to driveways on NE Halsey}*

Although currently non-contiguous, the sidewalks will soon provide a consistent pedestrian walkway along NE Halsey Street from NE 92nd to the MAX light-rail and bus transfer station at 82nd Avenue. Cyclists will gain a bidirectional pathway on the south side of the overpass, continuing up NE Halsey Street with a connection via NE Jonesmore Street to the transit junction point on NE 82nd Avenue.

An illustration showing the design of a mini-roundabout at the intersection of NE 80th and Halsey Street, including details for sidewalk construction scheduled to begin in December. — *_{PBOT provided illustration showing the NE Halsey Jonesmore junction with new bike track}*

Construction site showing new sidewalk segments being developed along NE Halsey Street, with traffic cones and construction tape visible. — Cycle track east of NE 84th leading to Jonesmore St

Construction site with orange traffic cones and caution tape surrounding a newly formed sidewalk segment, featuring a dirt area and concrete curbing. — Cycle track east of NE 84th leading to Jonesmore St

In December, PBOT anticipates that crews will begin work on installing a small roundabout at NE 80th Avenue and Halsey Street to address a notoriously confusing intersection, located just before the east-most NE Halsey Street Bridge over I-84. Posted renderings show people will have access to high-visibility crossings for pedestrians and bikes. Rebuilt and extended corners will also shorten the crossing distance, and new sidewalk segments will guide users to pathways that lead to transit connections. When contractors complete work at NE 81st Avenue, cyclists will have access to a bi-directional buffered bike track on the south side of NE Halsey Street, extending up to NE 92nd Avenue. PBOT plans to remove some parking spaces on the south side of NE Halsey Street to accommodate the bike route east of NE 86th Avenue.

Illustration of a mini-roundabout at NE 80th and Halsey Street, showing road layout and planned sidewalk construction. — *_{PBOT provided illustration showing the NE Halsey, NE 80th, and 81st junction with mini roundabout}*

Intersection view showing a newly constructed roundabout at NE 80th Avenue and Halsey Street, with completed curbs and lane markings; vehicles approaching a stop sign in the foreground. — *_{NE Halsey and 81st junction looking east from NE 80th Ave}*

Contractors are actively installing new sidewalks, curbs, and driveways, with lane closures in place adjacent to the work site. One lane in each direction remains open to drivers and TriMet vehicles. Riders may need to board westbound bus service on NE Halsey at 90th (Stop ID 2459) and 86th (Stop ID 2457) from the street due to construction. PBOT anticipates minimal impact on vehicle traffic, and the Interstate 84 eastbound onramp remains open for drivers. People interested in following this project can subscribe to updates on the PBOT project website. Federal money, Transportation System Development funds, General Transportation Revenue, ODOT Bridge Program funds, and Bureau of Environmental Services funds are covering the $8,646,720 project costs.

A sign indicating the NE Halsey Street project, showing project details and timeline for improvements between 68th and 92nd Avenues, with a nearby bus stop.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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