Project-Details

Traffic Impact

Traffic impacts: 

Travelers can expect daytime lane closures and turning restrictions throughout the project area. 

Between SE 148 to 174 Avenues, travelers can expect:

• Lane closures, turning restrictions as traffic is shifted to the north side of Powell.
• Intermittent side street closures.​​​​ 
• Bikes share the travel lane.
• Sidewalk closures with pedestrian detours.
  

Above: A new sidewalk being built on SE Powell Blvd near SE 174th Ave.

Construction Activities are Underway

Crews are focusing most of their work between SE 162nd and 174th Avenues on the south side of Powell. They are installing new sidewalks and new electrical equipment as they build ​bases for pedestrian-activated crossings and signals at intersections. This work is expected in this segment through spring of 2027. 

Sound walls are going up between SE 157th and 170th Avenues with two substantially complete, two in progress and one to start soon. Eligible property owners and residents supported all sound wall locations that are now included in the project. View a map of the future sound wall locations here.

Waterline work is nearly complete with some finish work expected to connect neighbors to the main line.

Thank you for your patience while we build these safety improvements.  See below for more timeline and traffic impact information. 

• 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. ​
  

Meetings and Events

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.

Anticipated schedule:

• SE 148^th Ave to SE 174^th Ave (south side): This area is currently under construction. Completion anticipated spring of 2027.
• SE 136th Ave to SE 148^th Ave (north side): Anticipated spring of 2027 through spring of 2028.
• SE 148^th Ave to SE 174^th Ave (north side): Anticipated spring through summer 2028.
• SE 136th Ave to SE 148^th Ave (south side): Anticipated summer through fall 2028.
• SE 99th Ave to SE 122nd Ave. Anticipated 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. 

About

​ODOT is constructing safety improvements on outer SE Powell Boulevard from I-205 to SE 122nd Avenue and SE 136th Avenue to just east of SE 174th Avenue (the Portland/Gresham city limits). This is the second phase of the project. The first phase​ of safety improvements, from SE 122nd Avenue to SE 136th Avenue, are complete. 

​The constructed improvements for the second phase of safety improvements will be consistent with the completed section of SE Powell Boulevard between SE 122nd Avenue and SE 136th Avenue.

​These safety improvements will reduce the frequency and severity of crashes and help vehicles, pedestrians, transit and bicyclists share the road with fewer conflicts. Roadway, bike and pedestrian safety improvements include:

• ​Sidewalks where there are none now.
• Mix of separated and sidewalk level bike lanes.
• Center turn lane for cars, buses and trucks for safer turns and to reduce back-ups.
• Transit stop improvements.
• New waterline.
• Storm drains to prevent water from pooling on the road.
• Stormwater treatments and underground and waterline improvements.​
• Traffic signal upgrades.
• Lighting for improved visibility.​
• ​Ten mid-block flashing light pedestrian crossing beacons (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons) to alert drivers that people are crossing the street.
• Sound walls at four locations.
• New pavement along the corridor.

​​

An example of how Outer SE Powell Boulevard will look after construction. There may be slight differences in specific locations.​

​Sound Walls

Along with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the project team analyzed potential noise impacts related to the project. The road changes will result in a slight noise increase, impacting some property owners and residents close to the road.​

​Sound walls are the most common tool used to mitigate that noise. We have identified potential sound walls that provide the required benefits and meet ODOT and FHWA standards.

A vote among eligible property owners and tenants determined whether or not to construct these sound walls. 

Sound Walls Voting Results

In October 2021, eligible property owners and residents voted on four proposed sound wall locations. Voters supported all four of the sound wall locations that are now included in the project. To view a map of the future sound wall locations, see the "Project Documents" section below or here: Map of Future Sound Wall Locations.pdf.

Learn more about sound walls here: Sound Wall Fact Sheet 

​

An example of  how the project sound walls will look after construction. There may be slight differences in specific locations.

Location

Cost and Funding

The current estimate for total project cost for design, right-of-way and construction is $145 million.​ (HB 2017 Project)

Contractor

​​Moore Excavation, Inc. 

Benefits

Additional Information

Outer Powell Transportation Safety Project Logo

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Project Contacts

Community Affairs Coordinator

Ellen Waters

Email

Ellen.WATERS@odot.oregon.gov

Phone

503-731-4812

Public Information Officer

David House

Email

david.j.house@odot.oregon.gov

Phone

503-551-8641

Project Hotline

Noise Hotline: 503-276-7803

Project Accommodation Request

503-731-4128

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