As part of their Interstate 5/Delta Park widening project, ODOT allocated $1 million for “community enhancement projects.”
Savvy activists Shamus Lynsky and Shayna Rehberg, working closely with Roger Geller and the Portland Bicycle Advisory Committee, applied for some of this funding and I’ve just gotten the word from ODOT that their project has been approved!
Here’s more from ODOT project manager Kate Dean:
“Everything looks good…unless we come across an unexpected hiccup in the cost estimates we plan to move forward with this project. We’re working with PDOT to coordinate efforts and make sure everything goes smoothly.”
This project (detailed plans below) will bring much needed improvements to a dangerous stretch of Portland Blvd., between Vancouver and Montana Avenues.
Portland Blvd. is a high-speed street and this stretch includes four freeway ramps and a dangerously awkward intersection just west of I-5. Also, this stretch of road is a primary route for neighborhood to access the new New Seasons Market and other businesses at Portland and Interstate Blvds.
The project cost is estimated at $90,000 and would go toward striping new bike lanes (which will narrow motor vehicle lanes), installing curb ramps, and a bike-only traffic signal.
Shamus and Shayna deserve our gratitude for their hard work and they are a great reminder of how all of us can make a difference for traffic safety in our neighborhoods.