Tag: ODOT

Infrastructure October 1, 2023

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 August 11, 2023

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.

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, Infrastructure March 1, 2023March 17, 2023

82nd Ave Draft Concept Shared by PBOT

In an effort to embrace design transparency, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) released a Draft Concept for the 82nd Avenue Critical Fixes project. They want public participation in the design process and created a survey to gather comments on the proposed upgrades. These near-term critical safety and maintenance repairs on 82nd Avenue will break ground in 2024, with crews working through 2026. Although repair work will span the entire stretch of 82nd Avenue, these specific projects focus on NE Fremont Street to NE Schuyler Street and SE Mill Street to SE Foster Road.

The enhancements could include medians with street trees, signal reconstruction, and sidewalk reconstruction or infill. The current draft concept maintains some center turn lanes but also create new dedicated left turn lanes. In some cases, pedestrian islands could prevent east-west automotive traffic from crossing 82nd Avenue at NE Klickitat Street, NE Schuyler Street, SE Clinton Street, SE Lafayette Street, and SE Center Street. PBOT intends to repave much of the project area, and the limited sidewalk construction will provide pedestrians with safe travel to one of the many new signalized crosswalks.

*Image from PBOT’s March 2023 Draft Concept Design*

Montavilla will receive only a handful of updates as part of this current round of proposed projects. Both sides of SE Mill Street could receive 200 feet of new sidewalk east of SE 82nd Avenue. PBOT also wants to reconstruct 300 feet of sidewalk on the east side of 82nd Avenue between SE Division Street and the mid-block crosswalk to the north, near the Portland Community College Southeast campus. The draft concept contains raised concrete medians on 82nd Avenue south of SE Harrison Street to SE Division street and beyond. Several breaks in the median allow for designated left turns and driveway access. PBOT will attempt to plant street trees in the raised medians where possible.

The two main project sites will cover a 2.5-mile stretch of 82nd Avenue that Portland now maintains. Last year, the Oregon Department of Transportation transferred seven miles of the State highway to the City. Funds acquired during that jurisdictional transfer are supporting these projects. The draft concept released alongside the survey represents an early proposal, and people reviewing it should expect changes based on comments submitted by the public. PBOT’s project team wants feedback from businesses, property owners, and residents on the draft concept design. The survey is open until April 15, 2023, and available in Chinese: 中文, Russian: Русский, Spanish: Español, and Vietnamese: Tiếng Việt.

Jacob Loeb

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Infrastructure January 31, 2023March 25, 2023

Signaling Updates Begin on 82nd Ave

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) recently installed new speed reader signs on 82nd Avenue near McDaniel High School. These displays provide real-time feedback on how fast motorists travel and alert drivers to “Slow Down” when exceeding the speed limit. In addition to these visible updates, traffic engineers will soon upgrade signal control units at 18 intersections, allowing staff to dynamically adjust red light timing and reduce opportunities for drivers to speed through multiple crossings without stopping.

Most traffic signal equipment on 82nd Avenue is 20 years old and requires manual adjustments to change signal light timing. New traffic signal controllers utilize modern means for managing intersections by interconnecting the equipment with high-speed fiber optic communications. This technology permits PBOT systems to monitor performance remotely in real time and shorten the overall wait time for all people traveling through a crossing. Although vehicles may encounter more stops along 82nd Avenue after these adjustments, it should reduce wait times for pedestrians and cross traffic. Safety enhancements will come from PBOT’s implementation of pedestrian head-start signals at several locations throughout the corridor. That signal timing strategy improves the safety and visibility of pedestrians by giving people a walk signal several seconds before vehicle operators see a green light.

*PBOT electrician installing a new traffic signal controller, NE 82nd Avenue. Image courtesy PBOT*

These updates are just the beginning of a three-year critical update of 82nd Avenue’s infrastructure. They are part of an agreement reached by State and City officials while coordinating the former State highway’s transfer of ownership from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to PBOT. In Spring, PBOT will continue corridor-wide signal technology upgrades, with pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Plans include improvements to road signage and striping along the corridor. In the Summer, crews will begin construction on six new signalized pedestrian crossings and street lighting improvements along the seven-mile-long road. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will start an 82nd Avenue paving project in the Fall south of the city limits that partially extends into the City of Portland up to SE Faster Road.

PBOT’s Critical Fixes project will continue through 2026 and is the first stage of extensive investments in 82nd Avenue. These upgrades will deliver basic safety and maintenance repairs to the corridor. PBOT, Oregon Metro, and TriMet are developing plans for substantial changes to 82nd Avenue after 2026. Those projects are in the early planning phase but will continue the momentum of safety and shared priority for all modes of transportation along one of Portland’s busiest roadways.

Jacob Loeb

Disclosure: The author of this article serves on the Building a Better 82nd Community Advisory Board and the 82nd Avenue Business Association Board.

Community, Services December 30, 2022March 25, 2023

Free TriMet Rides on New Year’s Eve

As revelers head out to celebrate the close of 2022, Trimet once again offers riders fare-free transportation. Starting at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, all bus, MAX, and Portland Streetcar trips are free. Extended late-night MAX service runs until 2 a.m., allowing people to safely return from the night’s celebrations.

TriMet is bringing back free rides on New Year’s Eve in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation. Most MAX Lines run until 2 a.m. MAX Blue, Green, Orange, and Yellow lines will provide extended service, running approximately every 30 minutes. MAX Red Line trains will run on weekday schedules, with the last Red Line train leaving from Pioneer Square South to Portland International Airport (PDX) at 12:42 a.m. Shuttle buses carrying riders between Gateway Transit Center and PDX will run after train service ends as needed and until approximately 3:30 a.m.

For those who spent the night at their party destination, New Year’s Day service on TriMet buses, MAX, and Portland Streetcar will operate on regular Sunday schedules. WES Commuter Rail will not be in service, and TriMet customer support staff will have the day off. Even if public transportation is not in your plan, remember you are not stuck driving your vehicle home if you have partied too hard. Everyone deserves a safe start to 2023, and TriMet hopes they can help make that happen with this free-ride program.

Jacob Loeb

Construction, Infrastructure June 3, 2022March 25, 2023

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.

Jacob Loeb

Construction, Infrastructure May 6, 2022March 25, 2023

I-84 East Exit 7 Closure

Starting May 8th, the Oregon Department of Transportation will close the Interstate 84 East Halsey/99th Ave off-ramp. This temporary closure allows TriMet construction crews the needed workspace to install support piers for a new MAX bridge over the freeway. Project managers expect to reopen Exit 7 to eastbound I-84 drivers on June 24th, 2022.

Work performed over the next two months will create the support structure for a new MAX Red Line bridge over I-84, located just east of Interstate 205. The bridge will provide pedestrian and bike access to the Gateway Green park and add a second track to the single-track rail system in the area. This project is part of the TriMet Better Red initiative to extend the MAX Red Line westward to serve ten more stations. Additionally, crews will install bidirectional rails in places with share tracks, speeding up the whole system.

TriMet suggests a detour onto Exit 6 towards I-205 South during the off-ramp closure and then use the Glisan Street/Stark Street exit. Drivers will follow NE Glisan east to NE 99th Avenue. Plan accordingly for this closure by using the ODOT TripCheck.com website for route information and updates. Better Red crews will continue their work in the area until its completion in 2024.

Jacob Loeb

Community, Infrastructure April 29, 2022March 25, 2023

82nd Ave Now 100 Percent Portland

Yesterday, Portland City Council voted unanimously to adopt 82nd Avenue into the City’s network of streets. This jurisdictional transfer moves seven miles of State Highway 213, from NE Killingsworth Street to SE Clatsop Street, into the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) control. Additionally, the ordinance accepts $80 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding for necessary improvements on 82nd Avenue.

Yesterday’s vote completes years of community initiatives and governmental negotiations regarding the future of this neglected highway. Years of differed maintenance and insufficient investment by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) left the roadway in poor condition, even as the north to south connector became the busiest street in the City.

TriMet’s number 72 bus line on 82nd Avenue boasts the highest ridership of any route in the public transit system. More than 20,000 vehicle trips occur per day on the road. Due to the deteriorating conditions and traffic volume, 82nd Avenue experiences some of the highest crash rates in Portland. Over the next few years, PBOT intends to use the initial funding to improve safety for pedestrians and drivers alike.

Already identified projects for 82nd Avenue will begin soon, now that this legislative milestone has passed. PBOT will deliver new lighting, safer pedestrian crossings, pavement repair, and sidewalk accessibility upgrades. In some cases, large sections of the road surface will need reconstruction. Most of the curbside lanes of the highway lack a concrete base layer. The original construction of OR213 supported just one travel lane in each direction with a shared center turning lane. Engineers designed the outer edges of the road for parking, not the heavy demands of traffic.

Projects funded by yesterday’s approved ordinance only represent the beginning of upgrades expected in the area. Around 2026, ODOT will deliver a second payment to Portland, totaling $70 million. Along with the City’s pledged $35 million, this second $105 million wave of investment will enact more safety and livability improvement along 82nd Avenue. Community and business engagement around those future projects will ramp up over the next few years.

The City of Portland created a website for residents and business owners to track the new Building a Better 82nd initiative. Look for opportunities to contribute to the planning of 82nd Avenue through online and in-person community forums, focus groups, and surveys. PBOT will also partner with existing community organizations to guide future projects and coordinate with the people affected by the coming changes to the streetscape.

Jacob Loeb

Construction, Infrastructure March 11, 2022March 25, 2023

82nd Ave Crossing at NE Pacific

Update August 1st, 2022: Construction is complete and the rapid flash beacons are available for pedestrians to use.

Update March 11th, 2022: Crews completed all curb ramps and a new pedestrian crossing island this month. Soon workers will add button-activated rapid flashing beacons for this 82nd Avenue crosswalk.

*West side of 82nd Avenue mid block curb ramp*

Update February 26th, 2022: Crews completed the curb reconstruction at the northeast corner on 82nd Avenue and NE Pacific Street. Wood forms for the southeast corner are ready for concrete, while demolition crews remove the last portions of the preexisting pedestrian island in the middle of 82nd Avenue. Soon an enhanced crosswalk waypoint will protect people as they cross the five lanes of the busy highway and button-activated rapid flashing beacons will indicate to motorists that they must yield to those about to enter the crosswalk.

Original Article Published February 11th, 2022.

This week, construction crews closed off one lane in each direction on 82nd Avenue at NE Pacific Street. Heavy equipment is breaking apart the pavement surrounding the old pedestrian median island to allow for expanded protection at the crosswalk waypoint. In addition to enhanced crossing facilities on 82nd Avenue, contractors will reconstruct the corners and curb ramps at the intersection.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) funded this project ahead of the jurisdiction transfer of highway OR 213 (82nd Avenue) to the City of Portland. Officials expect that process to complete at the end of March 2022. A handful of ODOT projects will continue past the transfer date, including this enhanced crossing at NE Pacific Street.

ODOT will upgrade the south side of the intersection with crosswalk striping and rectangular rapid flash beacons. The existing pedestrian median island midway through 82nd Avenue will remain with some modifications. Last October, crews installed the foundation and wiring conduit for a traffic signal mast arm and pole. It will support the pedestrian crossing’s flashing beacons over the roadway.

*Foundation and wiring for a traffic signal mast arm and pole on southeast corner*

Crossing improvements at this location should aid pedestrians needing access to Montavilla Park or Multnomah University’s campus. The next closest signalized crossings are 800 feet to the north and 1,000 feet to the south. This improvement, along with the lower speed limits recently enacted, could reduce the number of traffic injuries experienced by people along this busy road.

*Median island midway through 82nd Avenue before work began*

Jacob Loeb

Infrastructure October 8, 2021

Expect Traffic Congestion this Weekend

Starting this Friday at 10 PM, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will close most of I84 between I5 and I205. This closure will extend throughout the weekend, potentially diverting increased traffic through Montavilla as motorists find alternative routes. Residents should plan ahead and allow for extra travel time over the next three days. Additionally, use caution on neighborhood roads as overflow traffic could travel via uncommon routes.

The rare I84 closure is necessary to allow construction cranes to lift the long span of a new bridge into place. After more than a year of construction, the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) Congressman Earl Blumenauer Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge is ready for the next phase of installation. Heavy-lift specialists will slowly maneuver the approximately 450,000 lb. and 400-foot-long bridge over Sullivan’s Gulch. Progress of the big lift project will be viewable online via a live web camera.

The closure begins tonight, Friday, October 8th, and continues until 5 AM Monday morning. Road crews will block all westbound I84 traffic starting at I205. In the other direction, crews will barricade I84 eastbound ramps from I5. The eastbound on-ramp from Northeast Grand Avenue is also closed. The on-ramp from Northeast 16th Avenue will periodically reopen to eastbound traffic during the weekend. However, drivers shouldn’t depend on its availability. On-ramps east of, and including Cesar Chavez Boulevard, will remain open.

Despite many public notices regarding the closure, some drivers are likely to be confused, creating traffic congestion around I84. If traveling this weekend, check TripCheck.com or mobile map apps for the latest conditions. Otherwise, this may be an excellent weekend to remain close to home or head out of town early.