Traffic Impact
Traffic impacts:
Travelers can expect lane closures, noise and traffic shifts with turning restrictions and up to 20-minute traffic holds 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., weekdays.
Upcoming impacts include:
- Travel lanes shift towards the center of the road east of 148th to make room for construction activity on both sides of Powell.
- Daytime noise and vibration are expected at the east end of the corridor as crews prepare the ground on the north side of the street for new sidewalks.
- Daytime closures on 164th and 166th at Powell the week of July 6 and
July 13 while crews build stormwater facilities.
- Nighttime flagging expected at 104th and 112th to install temporary signals.
Travelers can expect congestion, noise, debris and equipment during construction. There may also be closures, flagging, and nighttime and weekend work to minimize traffic impacts. Alternate routes are available.
The project schedule is subject to change based on weather and site conditions.
Above: Construction
activities at 160th. The north side of the street is shown on the right, where
crews will start preparing the ground for construction of safety improvements.Construction Activities are Underway
On Powell east of SE 148 Avenue, crews have completed building a new waterline, four soundwalls and sidewalks east of 162nd. They have also elevated side streets and driveways to meet the elevation of the new road. Work to build these improvements continues to the west.
On the north side of the street between 148th and 174th, crews prepare the ground for new sidewalks. Crews will remove asphalt and lay and compact fill, which will be the base layer under the new sidewalks.
Thank you for your patience while we build these safety improvements. See below for more timeline and traffic impact information.
Tips for Traveling Safely in Work Zones- Orange is your cue! Pay attention when you see orange signs, barrels, cones and barricades.
- Obey all speed signs for your safety and the safety of others.
- Expect delays—plan for them—and leave early so you can drive safely through the work zone.
- Allow extra time when traveling and follow all signs and flaggers for safety.
Travelers should expect short
delays in the area during construction activities. For the most
up-to-date traffic impacts please visit
www.TripCheck.com.
Pictured above: map of the project area and timelines on SE Powell Boulevard between I-205 and Portland/Gresham city limits, just east of SE 174th Avenue.
Noise Impacts
To minimize traffic impacts during the day, some night work is required. Those working or living in the area may hear noise from heavy equipment, construction trucks, beeping noises when vehicles are in reverse (required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and equipment such as concrete saws, drills and jackhammers.
Noise Hotline: 503.276.7803. This hotline is available to help resolve any ODOT noise-related concerns 24 hours a day.
Driveway Impacts
The design team completed a review of driveways along the project and contacted all property owners where driveways need to be altered or closed to improve access and safety. If you have not been contacted by ODOT at this point, there will be no changes to your driveway width or location other than slight possible modifications to align it with the new sidewalk curb.
Meetings and Events
Past Events and Meetings:
The project tam hosted informational booths at local events near the project corridor:
- Community Open House – June 10, 2025
- The Original Gresham Farmers Market – August 19, 2023
- Lents International Market – August 27, 2023
The project team hosted a public meeting on September 22, 2021 to present information about potential sound walls. You can review the meeting presentation
here.
The project team developed an online open house from September 23 to October 18, 2020 to present information about the completion of Phase 1 and the design plans for Phase 2.
While the online open house is now closed, you can still access the information here.
Schedule
Road construction began in spring of 2025 and is anticipated to last five years.
Crews will generally move through the project area section by section building new sidewalks, safer crossings, curb ramps and intersection improvements. As this work is underway, there will be increased construction activity in the area.
- SE 148th Ave to SE 174th Ave (south side): This area is currently under construction. Anticipated through spring of 2027.
- SE 136th Ave to SE 148th Ave (north side): This area is currently under construction. Anticipated through spring of 2028.
- SE 136th Ave to SE 148th Ave (north side): Anticipated through spring 2028.
- SE 136th Ave to SE 148th Ave (south side): Anticipated through fall 2028.
- SE 99th Ave to SE 122nd Ave. Anticipated through 2029.
Once these improvements are built crews will move onto the paving, striping and finish work. This is anticipated throughout the project area in 2029. Bike lanes and the center turn lane are expected to be operational after striping the new road.
This schedule is approximate and subject to change.