TriMet announced today that construction of their Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Project will mean traffic detours beginning this month.
Of particular interest is the closure of the SE Powell overcrossing and a detour near the south end of the Eastbank Esplanade.
Beginning June 15th and continuing for “about a year” TriMet will be working on the demolition of the SE Powell Blvd overpass. The overpass will be closed through the summer of 2013 while a new structure is built in its place.
Below are more details from TriMet about the work they’re doing as well as detour maps for both areas:
Here’s the map for the SE Powell/17th issues:
This section of SE Powell is harrowing in both motor vehicle speed and volumes and not having this dedicated bicycling and walking bridge will make it that much harder. TriMet spokeswoman Mary Fetsch says, “Bikes can cross at signalized crossings at SE Milwaukie, 13th or 21st, or use the overcrossing at SE 9th.”
TriMet will also need to close the southern end of the Eastbank Esplanade from June 18th through June 22nd and then another closure in the area will begin on June 25 and last through July or so.
If you are leading a Pedalpalooza ride or otherwise using this popular bike thoroughfare, take note of the map below:
And here’s more from TriMet about these closures:
“Beginning Monday, June 18 through Friday, June 22, utility relocation will close the Willamette Greenway Trail between SE Clay and Caruthers streets. Cyclists and pedestrians will be rerouted onto SE Clay Street and SE Old Water Avenue.
For about three weeks beginning Monday, June 25, cyclists and pedestrians on SE Caruthers Street west of Old Water Avenue will be routed onto the sidewalk and around isolated work areas (phases include closure of the cul-de-sac and flagger-controlled access at the intersection at SE Caruthers and Old Water Avenue). Minor delays expected.”