Tag: I205

Construction, New Residence

Construction of Three Townhouses on SE 93rd

Work is underway on three connected townhomes along a cul-de-sac section on SE 93rd Avenue. The two-story buildings took the developer over three years to start work, with plans dating back to May 2022. Demolition crews removed the existing 1944-era single-family home at 2421 SE 93rd Avenue in early 2023, and the site sat vacant behind construction fencing for another two years until work resumed this summer.

  • 2421 SE 93rd Ave May 2022
  • 2421 SE 93rd Ave March 2023 after crews razed house leaving only the foundation

Sunstone Homes submitted the original permit applications to construct the three townhouses near SE Division Street and Interstate 205 on a 63-by-75-foot lot. Each new residence offers around 1500 square feet of living space with two full bathrooms and one half-bath for each townhouse. Each home includes an attached single-car garage taking up nearly half the building’s frontage but fitting in with Portland’s rules. Portland’s updated parking and onsite vehicle storage rules restrict excessive attached garages on street-facing walls. It says the length of the garage wall facing the street may be up to 50 percent of the total length of the street-facing building facade. However, if any or all the units in a multiunit development are less than 22 feet wide, the limitation applies to the total length of the street-facing facades.

Onsite parking could be an advantage to selling these homes, according to some area real estate sellers who still see buyers interested in the option. This street also has an abundance of on-street parking as the Interstate 205 Multi-use-path runs along the opposite side of SE 93rd Avenue, and no homes are located east of the street until the other side of the I-205 freeway. This location is also ideal for transit riders as the cul-de-sac turnaround abuts a SE Division Street TriMet FX bus station. Additionally, the MAX light rail Green Line station is south of SE Division Street, a few hundred feet away.

Site plan showing three connected townhomes along SE 93rd Avenue, with dimensions and an adjacent cul-de-sac.
Portland Maps image showing lot and cul-de-sac

As a formally dormant project, this is an indication that builders are willing to spend on housing in this current market. There are dozens of similar projects in the area that are also waiting to break ground, some of them vacant lots like this one on SE 93rd Avenue. This project could be the start of a new construction wave that Portland is trying to cultivate. Especially after City officials temporarily suspended System Development Charges (SDCs) for most new residential projects. SDCs are one-time fees charged to new development and redevelopment that increase demand on public infrastructure. The money collected improves utilities, roads, and parks. That new policy will apply to projects approved from August 15, 2025, to September 30, 2028, or until builders create 5,000 new units of housing. This short-term measure will eliminate a considerable cost for builders, but not necessarily enough to make all paused projects profitable.

People should expect work to continue on the SE 93rd Avenue townhomes through the summer, with crews likely completing the properties later in 2025.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Community, Event, Government, Infrastructure

East Portland Forum on I-205 Tolling

On Saturday, December 2nd, Oregon State Representative Khanh Pham will host a Community Forum regarding proposed Interstate 205 Tolling. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) intends to charge usage fees for the Portland area freeways to generate funds for several large infrastructure projects and maintenance. People can attend the forum in person from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Portland Community College’s Southeast campus Community Hall Annex at 2305 SE 82nd Avenue or by emailing your testimony.

ODOT proposes two Tolling programs that could impact traffic flow on and around I-205 as early as 2026. The I-205 Toll Project would charge a toll for drivers crossing the Abernethy Bridge, which spans the Willamette River between Oregon City and West Linn. Collected funds would pay a portion of the construction costs for the Abernethy Bridge Earthquake Ready project. The other fee collection method under consideration is called the Regional Mobility Pricing Project. That proposal could impact traffic congestion, street safety, and air quality in the neighborhoods near I-205. This tolling option would charge users as they travel the freeway system. ODOT is still reviewing feedback from an October survey ahead of revealing the exact mechanism used to asses usage fees.

Supporters of the tolling proposals feel it will reduce congestion as people adjust their trips to times when the tolling fees cost less. They also think it will appropriately charge users of the freeway system for its use with direct funding for maintenance and expansion. People opposed see it as an additional tax levied on people who already fund ODOT’s Freeway operations. Neighborhood concerns tend to center on local congestion caused by people avoiding the toll by driving on parallel side streets like 82nd and 122nd Avenues. Expanded usage would undo much of the traffic calming, safety, and livability improvements underway for 82nd Avenue and introduce more air pollution into the community. There are also equitability concerns around charging economically strained people for Interstate access and burdening minority communities with increased spill-off traffic.

This weekend’s special listening session on tolling will provide legislators and state officials with the community’s perspective on ODOT’s proposals. People’s comments in person or through email can influence decision-makers and help elected officials form a vision for transportation investments. Attendees should sign up to provide testimony 30 minutes before the meeting. People who cannot make the forum are encouraged to submit testimony via email to JTSSTP.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov with the subject “December 2nd Hearing, PCC – Southeast.”

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, Infrastructure

Weekend I-84 Closure at I-205

This weekend, crews working on the TriMet A Better Red project will close Interstate 84 in both directions near the Interstate 205 junction. Starting at 10 p.m. on Friday, October 6th, drivers must use an alternate route to bypass the freeway closure. The disruption will last through the weekend, reopening at 5 a.m. on Monday, October 9th.

The closure allows TriMet crews working over the freeway to remove protective wood decking added to a new rail bridge during previous concrete pours. As construction nears completion on the MAX Red Line rail expansion project, these temporary platforms are no longer needed. TriMet representative Tyler Graf explained that crews will work near the roadway and perform work above it, causing a potential safety hazard. Out of concern for drivers and workers, it is necessary to close the freeway.

TriMet’s A Better Red project impacts multiple locations in the Portland Metro area, extending the MAX Red Line west to serve ten more stations and improving schedule reliability by adding tracks where the system currently uses shared single tracks for bidirectional travel. This portion of the project completes a second freeway overpass that will create a dedicated southbound light-rail path. Until this point, light-rail traffic on this segment needed to wait for a single track to clear of opposing trains before proceeding, causing systemwide delays. This new bridge also features a multi-use path that leads to the south entrance of the Gateway Green bike park.

Portland Maps image with MV News illustrations. Red Line shows I-84 East Bypass. Blue Line shows I-84 West Bypass.

During the closure, Westbound I-84 drivers should use the I-205 South exit and then merge back onto I-84 West. Eastbound I-84 Drivers can use the I-205 South / NE Glisan Street exit and then travel east on NE Glisan to NE 122nd Avenue. Turn left onto northbound 122nd and then use the I-84 East onramp. Drivers should plan for delays, and TriMet encourages motorists to use TripCheck.com for real-time traffic information.

Some decking already removed showing the bridge’s finished edge

This weekend’s disruption should be the last I-84 closure related to TriMet’s A Better Red project. Several months of additional work are needed before the new rail infrastructure is ready for use. However, this marks a significant milestone in the project and signals that the Max Red Line will likely reopen on schedule. Since June 18th, TriMet has suspended MAX Red Line service from the Gateway Transit Center to the Portland International Airport (PDX). Riders have relied on shuttle buses to fill in the gap in service. However, that segment should reopen on October 21st, 2023. 

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Infrastructure

Regional Tolling Survey Asks for Input

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is conducting a survey of interstate drivers and people living around the freeway to help shape planned regional tolling. People can contribute their perspectives on three pricing models through midnight on October 9th, when the survey closes. The input received will assist planners as they refine the Regional Mobility Pricing Project, and the results will appear in the Environmental Assessment report currently in development.

ODOT is committed to implementing tolling as part of a long-term strategy to fund transportation improvements and improve traffic flow during peak usage times. There are two tolling projects under consideration. The I-205 Toll Project focuses on tolling at the Abernethy Bridge and is not part of this survey. Instead, questions focus on the Regional Mobility Pricing Project that proposes tolling portions of Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 in the Portland metro region. This plan would cost drivers using all lanes on the freeway with an all-electronic system during daytime hours of 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The three proposed tolling options aim to reduce bumper-to-bumper traffic, generate revenue, and meet regional climate goals. Designers are considering charging higher tolls during rush hours and in areas with more traffic. They will also work to create a discount for low-income travelers and provide a predictable schedule for road costs so people can plan trips around the varying rates. ODOT will design toll amounts and times to keep traffic moving at an average speed of 40 to 55 mph.

The first option presented in the survey uses a base toll amount charged to drivers when entering the freeway, and then additional fees are added when a driver passes through high-traffic toll points. The other two options use multiple tolling zones, with ODOT collecting a fee for each segment traveled through. Within the survey, ODOT acknowledges community concern regarding the impacts of drivers using streets near I-5 and I-205 to avoid paying a toll. They are considering techniques to mitigate tolling’s potential effects on neighborhoods. A question about prioritizing that work is on the survey.

Montavilla is bordered by I-205, and 82nd Avenue already shoulders some burden caused by freeway congestion. Consequently, neighborhood residents can provide ODOT valuable insight into what methods would work best for tolling and what priorities should factor into the design. The survey is available in other languages, and accessibility assistance is available.

Article and phots by

Jacob Loeb

Illustrated maps courtesy ODOT

Haga clic aquí para participar en la encuesta en español. 
Nhấn vào đây để tham gia khảo sát cộng đồng bằng tiếng tiếng Việt.
Для участия в опросе на русском языке нажмите здесь.  
点击此处填写中文的公众问卷调查。

For Americans with Disabilities Act or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services, or more information call 503-731-4128, TTY (800) 735-2900 or Oregon Relay Service 7-1-1. 

Construction, Infrastructure

I84 Weekend Detour Aug 11-14

Starting tonight, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will close all lanes of westbound Interstate 84 near I-205. This weekend closure begins on Friday, August 11th, with road crews reopening the freeway to traffic by 5 a.m. Monday, August 14th. Drivers using I-84 West should follow the short detour to I-205 South and immediately merge back onto I-84 West. ODOT crews will block two on-ramps leading to the closed roadway during repair work, with one additional on-ramp at NE 102nd Avenue open only during the daytime hours.

This freeway closure was initially scheduled for July but postponed due to material availability issues. Over the weekend, crews will continue a resurfacing project involving the installation of a new concrete surface on the I84 West bridge. Crews worked on the eastbound section of I84 in June. Drivers should anticipate delays as people navigate the detour and work around the on-ramp closures.

By

Jacob Loeb

  • I-84 westbound on-ramp closed at NE 102nd Avenue (closed at night only).
  • I-84 westbound on-ramp closed at NE 181st Avenue.
  • I-84 westbound on-ramp closed at Fairview Parkway.
Construction, Event, Infrastructure

Jan 6th I-84 Closure at I-205

This weekend, Interstate 84 will close in both directions near the Interstate 205 interchange. Crews working on TriMet’s Better Red project will pour concrete for a new rail bridge that spans all lanes of I-84. Drivers will need to use detours around construction work from 10 p.m. Friday, January 6th, until 4 a.m. the following Sunday, January 8th. This project is weather dependent and subject to last-minute schedule changes.

The 30-hour freeway closure is necessary as cement masons work overhead on the new MAX light rail bridge. Crews will work all hours, creating the concrete surface for a single rail line and multi-use path. TriMet originally constructed this section of the MAX Red Line with a single track requiring the segment to clear before trains could travel in opposite directions. This upgrade will allow bi-directional transit to and from the Portland International Airport. Additionally, visitors to the Gateway Green bike park will have a new entrance closer to parking and transit.

Travelers intending to use I-84 should plan an alternate route and expect delays. The I-84 ramps to I-205 will remain open, and people driving west on I-84 are advised to take southbound I-205 as an alternate route. Drivers can merge back onto I-84 past the Gateway area. However, detours are likely to cause congestion. Motorists should plan for additional travel time. For more information, visit the project website or call 503-238-7433.

Yellow line indicating Jan 6th-8th closure of I-84. Image courtesy of TriMet

By

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, Event, Infrastructure

I84 Offramp Closed for Three Days Next Week

Next week, Interstate 84’s eastbound Exit 7 will close as TriMet crews pour concrete on a new light rail bridge over the Freeway. The Halsey St/NE 99th Ave offramp provides direct access to Gateway Shopping Center, Gateway Transit Center, and two medical offices. The November 15th to 17th closure will also prevent quick access to NE Halsey street from I-84. Drivers should take Exit 6 towards Interstate 205 South and use the immediate Glisan Street exit. Then they must take NE Glisan Street east, using NE 99th or 102nd Avenues to drive north to their destination.


Montavilla News illustrations on a Portland Maps image

This midweek construction work supports the A Better Red project currently underway next to I-205. The closures of this I-84 offramp will facilitate the construction of the new MAX light rail track parallel to an existing single-track segment of the Red Line. During the shutdown, crews will continue building a new light-rail bridge over the Freeway, connecting the northern section of Portland’s Gateway Green Park and the Gateway Transit Center. Once completed, the bridge’s tracks will allow simultaneous bidirectional MAX traffic through the Gateway area, helping to alleviate bottlenecks and improve reliability across the MAX system. Crews will also install a new multi-use path to the mountain bike park alongside the new tracks. This added access route will make the recreation area more accessible to a variety of users and increase amenities in the space.

TriMet advises that this work is weather dependent and could be postponed or extended. Check trimet.org/betterred/construction for updates to the schedule or to read more information about the project.

Rendering of the new Red Line bridge crossing I-84. Image courtesy TriMet

By

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, Infrastructure

I84 Closure at I205 Starting Sept. 23rd

TriMet construction crews will close a 1.5-mile stretch of Interstate 84 in both directions near the Interstate 205 interchange this weekend. The closure will begin on Friday night at 10 p.m. and reopen at 4 a.m. Monday morning. Additionally, barricades will block access to the NE 102nd Avenue on-ramp to I-84 west and the I-84 east Exit 7 Halsey/99nd Avenue off-ramp. This work supports the A Better Red project currently underway near the Gateway Transit Center.

The closures of I-84 will facilitate the construction of the new MAX light rail track parallel to an existing single-track segment of the Red Line. During the weekend shutdown, crews will continue building a new light rail bridge over the freeway, connecting the northern section of Portland’s Gateway Green Park and the Gateway Transit Center. Once completed, the bridge’s tracks will allow simultaneous bidirectional MAX traffic through the Gateway area, helping to alleviate bottlenecks and improve reliability across the MAX system. Crews will also install a new multi-use path to the mountain bike park alongside the new tracks. This added access route will make the recreation area more accessible to a variety of users and increase amenities in the space.

Rendering of the new Red Line bridge crossing I-84. Image courtesy TriMet

Drivers expecting to use I-84 should plan an alternate route between the evening of September 23rd and the morning of September 26th. Commuters should also anticipate more congestion than usual on I-205 as people detour around the closure. Buses will run regular service while construction takes place and offer an effective alternate travel method during the closure. While the traffic disruption will not affect transit service, some trips may take longer due to other work on the MAX Blue Line in Gresham. Additional information is available on the TriMet website.

By

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, Infrastructure

SE Washington I-205 Overpass Work

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is installing a new protective screening and new bridge railings on the SE Washington Street bridge over Interstate 205. Bridge screens are protective fences that improve safety on highways by preventing fallen and thrown objects from hitting vehicles passing below. This work is part of a larger project that includes installing new protective screening on twelve bridges over ODOT highways in the Portland area and new railings on four of the twelve bridges.

Crews began work in April and have completed work on SE Washington Street’s southern bridge railing. They removed the see-through three-bar steel bridge railing and replaced it with a solid concrete barrier topped with a single see-through steel rail. Work has now shifted to the other side of the street. Crews are actively replacing the railing on the northern portion of the overpass. Then workers will begin attaching screens extending several feet above the barrier on both sides of the overpass.

Crews will block one traffic lane adjacent to the work area during construction. Planners expect work to continue for two months and reduce automotive throughput to three lanes from four. ODOT cautions that the project schedule is subject to change. However, work is currently on schedule.

The twin overpass on SE Stark Street is not one of the twelve bridges selected for ODOT improvements at this time. However, it utilizes the older design that State transportation engineers are now replacing. Future funding will likely pay for upgrades to the SE Stark Street overpass, similar to what crews are installing on SE Washington Street.

Although these changes will have minimal impact on users of the overpass, future upgrades coming to the SE Stark Washington Streets couplet will improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. Look for this current work to continue into summer and use caution while driving on SE Washington. Expect more road work next year along both SE Stark and Washington Streets.

Completed south side bridge railing

By

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, Demolition, New Residence

Three Townhouses on SE 93rd

This week Sunstone Homes submitted permit applications to construct three townhouses near SE Division Street and Interstate 205. The proposed townhouses will each contain four bedrooms and an attached single-car garage. Demolition crews will remove the existing 1944-era single-family home at 2421 SE 93rd Avenue to make room for the new two-story units.

The 63-by-75-foot lot has enough room to comfortably support the proposed homes, each with 1500 square feet of living space. The designers will provide two full bathrooms and one half-bath for each townhouse. 

SE 93rd Avenue ends in a cul-de-sac near SE Division street, but pedestrians have access to the adjacent Division TriMet FX bus line. That express transit system starts service in September. Additionally, the I205 Multi-use-path is across the street from this property, making these homes the ideal location for commuters regardless of their chosen mode of transportation.

Over the last five years, this block has seen substantial redevelopment. The pandemic delayed some of the larger projects. However, this recent proposal indicates that this area will continue to develop with denser housing options. If approved, expect work to begin at the end of the year or sometime in 2023.

By

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News has a Patreon account. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to please consider becoming a paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.