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Label:
Sewer and stormwater
Label:
Active
Environmental Services is partnering with PBOT to construct ADA curb ramp improvements throughout the Buckman and Kerns neighborhoods. The work builds on the recently completed Buckman-Kerns Green Street and Sewer Project and will improve accessibility at intersections throughout the project area.
Construction to begin as soon as September 2026 and continue until Summer 2027.
Project Map
The simplified map below shows intersections where ADA curb ramps are planned in the Buckman and Kerns neighborhoods. The map will be updated as construction progresses and if locations are added or removed.
Text description of Buckman-Kerns ADA Ramp Project Map
Schedule
Construction is expected to begin as soon as mid-to-late September 2026 and will occur in phases throughout the fiscal year. Work will take place in small areas at a time rather than throughout the entire project area.
Environmental Services will provide regular email and webpage updates to let you know when construction is scheduled near your location.
What's Happening Now
Construction hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, with Saturdays allowed if needed.
Since the project newsletter was mailed earlier in August, several additional intersections have been added to the ADA curb ramp construction scope:
- SE Salmon Street at SE 25th, 27th, and 34th avenues
- SE Madison Street at SE 25th, 26th, and 27th avenues
The project map has been updated to reflect these additional locations. Construction schedules may continue to shift as work is coordinated with PBOT and other project activities
September 2026:
- Crews will begin installing curb ramps along SE Salmon Street between SE 14th and 34th avenues.
- After the curb ramp work is complete, PBOT Maintenance will grind and pave SE Salmon St between SE 14th and 35th avenues.
What to Expect During Construction
Construction typically includes:
- White paint marking the proposed work area.
- Removing portions of sidewalk, curb, and pavement.
- Excavating and constructing the new ADA curb ramp and detectable warning panels.
- Restoring pavement and landscaping affected by construction (when possible).
Most work at a single corner takes one to two weeks. Weather, concrete curing, utility work, or other conditions may extend the schedule.
Private Improvements in the Public Right-of-Way
ADA ramp construction may require work within the public right-of-way, including planting strips between the sidewalk and curb. The City may access these areas as needed to construct public infrastructure.
White paint marks the proposed construction area. If you have plants, decorations, or other items within the marked area that you want to keep, please remove them before construction begins.
Street Trees and ADA Improvements
The project team works to preserve existing street trees whenever possible. At a couple locations, tree roots may conflict with the space needed to construct ADA-compliant curb ramps. The project team is working with Urban Forestry to evaluate these trees and determine whether they can remain safely in place. If construction would significantly affect the health or stability of a tree, removal may be necessary.
One ash tree potentially infested with emerald ash borer beetle may also need to be removed.
Adjacent property owners will be contacted in advance if a tree near their property may be affected or needs to be removed. Replacement trees will be planted in accordance with City requirements, although they may not be planted in the same locations.
We Want to Hear from You
Please let us know if you have a concern or question about future construction near you. Be sure to include your name, property address, and project name (Buckman-Kerns) in your voicemail and email so we can provide you more details about what to expect in front of your property. Also, please write “Buckman-Kerns” in the subject line of your email.
- Sewer Emergency: In the event of a sewer backup or basement flooding, call the Maintenance hotline immediately at 503-823-1700. It is staffed all hours and all days, 24/7.
Sign Up for Updates
Sign up for weekly email or text message updates for the Buckman-Kerns ADA Ramps Project through our free GovDelivery subscription service. These updates are the best way to stay informed about what’s happening and what to expect. You can also sign up for bulletins on other projects and topics.