(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)
Between the big TriMet light rail project, PBOT’s fog-sealing binge, and other random projects — for some reason this summer has been full of construction in the Portland area. As a result, there are a lot of detours and general advisories to know about.
Below is a roundup of construction projects and detour notices that impact bicycling. (If we’ve left any out, please share them in the comments below.):
Portland Parks will finally (!) fix eroded section of Springwater Corridor path
It’s been a year and-a-half since erosion did major damage to a section of the popular Springwater path about one mile south of the Ross Island Bridge back in March of last year. Parks announced yesterday that they plan to begin the repairs at the end of September and it will last through October. The path will be fully closed during construction work hours of Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Parks is still working out details, but here’s what they’re saying so far:
“PP&R has planned the construction timing to allow commuter and recreation access in the morning before 9am and in the evening after 4pm, when crews are not working. In order to maintain this limited access, we need your help. Please plan enough time to pass through the construction zone before the trail section closes. “
Stay tuned for more details on this project, exact closure dates, and access plans.
Construction closes SE 6th Avenue at Clay, except for bikes
The Bureau of Environmental Services is doing a “green street and pedestrian improvement project” that will close SE 6th Ave at Clay Street all this week between the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm. The good news is that people riding bicycles will be allowed through the construction area during work hours (drivers are being routed to SE Hawthorne, Grand, Mill or 7th). This project is slated to last about two weeks.
Fog sealing closes SE Lincoln bike boulevard
Reader Doug Klotz said he came up on a poorly planned detour while biking westbound on SE Lincoln. As he approached Calle Cesar Chavez (SE 39th), he noticed “Road Closed” signs and an A-board sign with “Bike Detour” in small print. “However, there was no indication as to where the route of this “detour” was!,” wrote a frustrated Klotz to the Active Right of Way email list. “I suppose that PBOT expects me to turn right on Chavez, travel in the lane, get into the left lane, and turn left across traffic onto Harrison.” Klotz has called in his concerns to 823-SAFE. Be aware when riding in this area.
Section of NE 33rd near Marine Drive closed for five months
The Bureau of Environmental Services is replacing a culvert on NE 33rd that has required them to fully close the street just north of Columbia Blvd. This section of 33rd is a popular way to connect from northeast neighborhoods to the Marine Drive bike path. No bicycle riding is allowed through the closure zone and BES has provided a detour map which takes you around the construction area. This project started on August 30th.
TriMet opens new SE 17th Avenue overpass above Powell Blvd
TriMet has announced that their new overpass is now open to the public. The overpass was re-done as part of the Portland Milwaukie Light Rail project and it now includes wider sidewalks and it will soon be striped with permanent bike lanes. Reader Howard Draper sent us the photo above and shared that it’s, “Soooo nice to bike over.”
I think that’s all for now. Remember to share your detour tips and any other route advisories in the comments below.