(Photo © J. Maus)
A bikeway project BikePortland has followed since April 2008 could be completed by the end of this month. The Portland Bureau of Transportaiton (PBOT) says they now expect the N Rosa Parks Way bikeway to be completed by the end of August.
The project was on a list of five languishing projects that I detailed back in August 2010 and it has been delayed numerous times for a variety of reasons (one complication is that the project crosses I-5 freeway onramps and an overpass, so ODOT must review and sign-off on the City’s plans). Work on the project started in earnest back in June, but has been delayed once again.
I asked PBOT project manager Winston Sandino for an update. He says many key pieces of the project — like underground electrical work, sidewalks, and ADA ramps — are already done. At this point, PBOT is waiting on delivery of the new traffic signals. “Once the signals have been installed,” writes Sandino via email, “then we will change the striping and build the islands. We are expecting the project to be completed by the end of August.”
The new bikeway will make a key connection between existing bikeways on Williams/Vancouver Avenues and on Rosa Parks west of Interstate. PBOT will re-allocate roadway space, providing more room for bicycle traffic, and they will re-configure several intersections and signals to improve safety. For more on what’s in store, read my report on the project from back in April.