ODOT plans improvements near Ross Island Bridge

Here’s an email I received from Basil Christopher, ODOT’s bike and pedestrian coordinator:

ODOT is planning to replace approximate 350 feet of sidewalk between the Ross Is. Bridge (far west end), and SW Hood Avenue to the north. The construction calls for replacing/widening the existing sidewalk from 6-ft to 8-ft, replacing non-standard curb, and adding a new curb ramp at SW Hood. The new ramp should have a design that’s somewhat more friendly for bikes using it to cross SW Hood. We also wanted to look at the possibility of adding bike/ped signing leaving the bridge approaching SW Hood (yet to be determined).

Weather permitting, the construction is expected to start on October 29th but may begin sooner. The work will be done at night, and will require a sidewalk closure on the bridge during work hours. The sidewalk work should only last a few days. ODOT plans to have a variable message sign (VMS) at the east end of the bridge to inform all traffic of the construction work, and sidewalk closure.

The project limits begin as you leave the bridge sidewalk at the west end, and continue approximate 350 feet to the existing curb ramp at SW Hood Ave.