(Photo: ODOT)
82nd Avenue is finally getting the attention is so badly deserves. The state-owned arterial is one of the City of Portland’s ten High Crash Corridors, a designation it has earned by being the place in Portland where you’re most likely to die or be seriously injured while walking.
But two projects might change that — and you might be able to help.
The Oregon Department of Transportation announced today they’re seeking members for the Community Advisory Committee for their 82nd Avenue of Roses Implementation Plan. That effort will identify transportation projects along a seven-mile stretch of 82nd from NE Killingsworth to Johnson Creek Blvd.
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Here’s more from ODOT about how the new committee will influence the process:
- On-going input to ODOT about issues that should be addressed in the plan
- Ideas about selection criteria, cross sections, and focus area project sets at key milestones
- Guidance on the applicability and ability to implement the plan, as demonstrated through community support.
- Avenues to share project information with the entities represented, to reach a wide range of project stakeholders.
If you want to get involved, you have until July 15th to send in an application. To get one, contact ODOT project manager Terra Lingley at (503) 731-8232 and check the project website for more info.
On a separate front, Metro is well into their Powell-Division Transit and Development Project that aims to connect Portland to Gresham. Right now the most likely option is a bus rapid transit (BRT) line that would run east-west on inner Powell then jog up to Division on 82nd Avenue for 10 blocks. If the 82nd Avenue alignment moves forward, it would likely come with major capital investment that could include a new bikeway. (There’s an ongoing debate between Metro planners and the Bicycle Transportation Alliance about whether or not that would trigger the Oregon Bike Bill. More on that later.)
Both of these planning processes are likely to have a big impact on the future of 82nd Avenue. The extent to which bicycling figures into that future remains to be seen — and could depend on who steps up to advocate for it. Stay tuned.