Project Updates
New Project Funding
The Bridge Over Columbia Boulevard segment of the Willamette Greenway Trail was recommended for funding by the Oregon Bike Ped Advisory Committee through the 2024 Oregon Community Paths Program, part of a statewide $62 million investment to improve safety and connectivity for people walking and biking across Oregon.
The Bridge Over Columbia Boulevard Project is moving forward!
After a pause to secure funding and update design contracts, we're excited to share that this important project is back on track.
In 2020 community groups and residents provided input to the multi-agency project team- Portland Parks and Recreation, Metro, and Oregon Department of Transportation- on priorities and considerations to better inform the design process.
Now, the project is currently in the 60% design phase, and we are excited to hear from you again!
Project Background
The Columbia Boulevard Bridge will be a new bike and pedestrian bridge from Chimney Park over Columbia Boulevard into St. Johns Prairie. This overcrossing will close a major gap in the Willamette Greenway and provide safer community access to the natural treasures of the St. Johns Prairie, Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, and Kelly Point Park.
Pier Park and Chimney Park Context Map
Regional Trails System Plan
Project Schedule
- Summer 2019 - Fall 2020 - Contract negotiation, alignment alternatives, 30% design
- Winter 2020/21 - Spring 2025 - Pause for additional funding
- Summer 2025 - Design process resumes. Community Engagement, Design Development
- Winter 2025-2026 - Construction Documents, Permitting, and Bidding
- Spring 2027 - Summer 2028- Construction
Community Engagement
Community Survey Open
Share your feedback through this short community survey!
Your input will be shared with the project team and PP&R's Technical Advisory Team, and build awareness of the larger Willamette Greenway Trail system.
Survey Responses are needed by Monday, December 1, 9:00am
Community Open House- Wednesday, November 12| 6:00-7:30pm
Thanks for joining the project team at the Community Open House to see the updated bridge designs and review next steps toward construction.
The event was informational, creating an opportunity to ask questions and connect with others excited about this milestone for North Portland's trail network.
Click the link below to view project materials from the open house.
Open House Location: Sitton Elementary School Cafeteria, 9930 N. Smith Street
Community Survey, Summer 2025
Thank you for sharing feedback through our community survey!
Your input will be shared with the project team and PP&R's Technical Advisory Team, to help plan for safe and accessible park use during construction and build awareness of the larger Willamette Greenway Trail system.
The community survey was open from July 24, 2025 through August 4, 2025. Please contact the Community Engagement Coordinator with questions.
Community Open House- Wednesday, July 23 | 6:00-8:00pm
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the recent open house, the first one for this project since 2020! It was a great evening reconnecting with community members, sharing updated designs, and hearing your thoughts about Chimney Park and the Willamette Greenway Trail system.
This Open House has been rescheduled from July 16 to July 23 due to heat advisory.
Join on us at the project site to learn about the Columbia Boulevard Bridge Project, see updated designs, talk to the team, and walk along the project route to the crossing location.
Community will be invited to share feedback and insights during the open house and via online survey. The survey will be posted on this webpage July 24 and remain open for three weeks.
Open House Location: Chimney Park Dog Park Area, 9360 N Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97203
Bike with our project team members to the event!
A group ride will depart from downtown Portland at 5:00pm and ride along portions of the Willamette Greenway Trail, ending at Chimney Park for the Open House.
Find group ride information here.
Access considerations: Activity location is accessible by walking 300’from a gravel parking lot across a loose mostly flat gravel roadway. Event activities will include a walking tour of the project alignment within the park, total walking distance across ~1100 feet of varied terrain, with an average slope of 2.6% and a maximum slope of –4.2% on grass.
Request an ADA accommodation or call 503-823-4000, Relay Service: 711.
May 2020 - Virtual Open House
January 2020 - Outreach Report
Open the link below to view the outreach report:
Stay Informed and Involved
Project updates will be provided via email and on the project website.
Add your email to the project contact list
Puente sobre Columbia Boulevard
El nuevo puente peatonal y para bicicletas sobre Columbia Boulevard unirá Chimney Park con St. Johns Prairie y conectará a nuestra comunidad con más oportunidades para andar en bici, a pie o sobre ruedas de manera segura.