Traffic Impact
Traffic impacts: Lane closures, traffic shifts, shoulder closures and up to 20-minute traffic holds weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at night from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Temporary sidewalks closures with accessible pedestrian detours. Possible nighttime work with closures.
Above: Temporary widening activities on SE Powell Blvd.
Construction Activities are Underway
Construction is underway and is anticipated to last five years. Crews are working on temporary widening of the road to accommodate pedestrian travel during construction of new sidewalks, bike lanes and other safety improvements. The replacement of the waterline has begun, and will continue into 2026.
Utility relocation work began in 2022 and is expected to continue through 2025. This work ensures services such as
power and communications are in place before building new improvements.
Daytime utility work occurs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and nighttime work occurs from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Above: Crews work on temporary widening of SE Powell Blvd. (June 2025).
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.
The project schedule is subject to
change based on weather and site conditions.
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.
Is tree removal required to build the project?
In some areas, tree trimming and tree removal is needed to build the new safety improvements including new sidewalks and pedestrian activated beacons. ODOT takes tree removal very seriously and avoids removing trees wherever possible. New trees will be planted throughout the corridor following roadway construction.
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. The project website will be regularly updated with current project information, including schedule, progress, and traffic impacts.
Utility relocations in addition to tree trimming and tree removal is expected to continue through 2025.
Schedule is subject to change based on weather and site conditions.