Crews working with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) have begun setting concrete forms atop NE 72nd Drive’s road surface for a new raised median divider separating the southbound vehicular traffic from the multi-use path created in 2024 out of the northbound lane. Two years ago, cement masons formed raised concrete traffic separators and installed a gate at the southern entrance to a city street that cut through the Rose City Golf Course. This hardened infrastructure prevents northbound automotive travel on this street, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to use that lane away from motorists. However, the divider did not extend the length of the path.
Construction for the new concrete separators began on Monday, October 26th, at the northern portion of the pathway where 72nd Drive connects to NE Sacramento Street. Although infrastructure was not required to prevent vehicles from entering the pathway at the northern edge of the golf course, the sharp turn onto NE 72nd Drive created a conflict point at the start of the roadway where cars could cross over the center line as cyclists and pedestrians gathered to join NE Sacramento Street. Additionally, cars parked on the shoulder could U-turn and mistakenly drive northbound on the path. These updates will narrow the bike and pedestrian path on the formerly bidirectional street and add signage to make it clear it is not intended for automotive traffic.
Regular southbound motor vehicles travel on NE 72nd Drive will remain an option for drivers after construction completes. Engineers will replace one of the two planned concrete islands at the intersection of NE 72nd Drive and Sacramento Street with hatched striping. PBOT explained that the updated design will designate lane separations and slow turning movements for southbound motor vehicles while allowing larger trucks and vehicles wider turning movements.
NE 72nd Drive is currently closed to all car traffic on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. as work continues. PBOT planners expect concrete island and separator construction to continue through November 13th, with new striping, signs, and thermoplastic legends added to the street in the latter half of November. Pedestrians and cyclists may pass through the construction zone. The NE 72nd Drive Greenway Enhancements project web page will offer additional information and updates.
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