Read about ODOT contractors replacing six underground storm water drainage devices along SE Powell Blvd. between SE 122nd and SE 169th in May/June 2013.
Construction of the Safety Improvements Project is scheduled to begin in early July 2013. ODOT has issued a notice of intent to award the construction contract to the lowest bidder.
An Open House regarding the upcoming construction will be held on Wednesday, June 5th. Drop in anytime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to see maps and plans, learn about nighttime construction, and talk with staff.
What: Outer Powell Safety Improvements Project Pre-Construction Open House
When: Wednesday, June 5, 2013, drop in anytime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Ron Russell Middle School Library 3955 SE 112th Portland, OR 97266
The Portland Bureau of Transportation is hosting an open house for several sidewalk projects in Powellhurst-Gilbert the same night in the Ron Russell Middle School Commons Area. Visit them anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
This project is designed to improve safety and replace worn out pavement on SE Powell Boulevard from SE 111th Avenue to just east of SE 174th Avenue at the Gresham city limits. Eight intersections along this section of Outer Powell Boulevard are among the top 10% of high-crash sites in the region. Heavy traffic and narrow road shoulders also contribute to difficult conditions for pedestrians throughout the corridor.
The Outer Powell Boulevard Safety Improvements Project is focused on strategic safety improvements for this important neighborhood thoroughfare and state highway. It will include three new pedestrian crossings, Americans with Disabilities (ADA) upgrades to curb ramps, and high-visibility roadway striping. The project will also involve repaving the roadway and widening the road shoulders to provide a width of at least 8 feet. Plans were developed in fall 2012 and winter 2013 and construction is expected to begin in July 2013.
ODOT has sought community input on key aspects of the project design, including:
*** Where to locate new crosswalks with Rapid Flash Beacons (see photo below).
*** How to modify and better delineate the road shoulder and roadway striping to reduce conflicts between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
ODOT is investing $5.5 million in Outer Powell Boulevard now so that users can benefit from immediate safety upgrades while the City of Portland, Metro, ODOT, and other stakeholders work towards funding future land use and transportation studies and improvements.
Documents
May 2013 newsletter
February 2013 update
October 2012 open house PowerPoint Presentation
Rapid Flash Beacons get drivers’ attention with blinking yellow lights attached to a pedestrian crossing sign. Pedestrians push a button to turn on the lights before crossing the road.