Traffic Advisory: Street improvements to close lanes on SW Madison Street next to City Hall Jan. 12-19

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Update: the lane closures will be extended through mid-day January 20, and there will be no parking on SW Madison Street until all lanes reopen.   This extension became necessary after crews unexpectedly needed to replace a storm drain and some sewer pipe.  

(January 5, 2015) - The City of Portland Bureau of Transportation advises the traveling public that street improvements will close the right eastbound lanes and bus stop on SW Madison Street between SW Fourth and Fifth avenues next to City Hall for seven days in early January. 

 Lane closures will be in effect all hours and all days from Monday, January 12 through Monday, January 19, 2015.  

 The lane closures are necessary to allow crews to repair the failed road base at the southwest corner bus stop and replace the asphalt with a stronger concrete surface. The concrete will need up to five days to cure. 

 In addition to carrying traffic within downtown, the street feeds motor vehicle, bus and bicycle traffic onto the Hawthorne Bridge.  Travelers are advised to expect delays and use alternate routes if possible.

 Transit customers: During the project, the bus stop will be closed. The nearest alternate bus stops are on the transit mall and on SW Madison Street and First Avenue.

 Drivers and bicycles: The parking lane on SW Madison Street will be converted into a travel lane and will be the sole travel lane for at least the first two days of the project. Crews will open up the center lane if possible during the latter part of the project.  

To minimize delays, work crews will adjust the lane closures if possible as follows:

  • After 3 p.m. and before 7 a.m., when crews are not at work, PBOT crews will widen the traveling lanes so bicycle riders can ride adjacent to motor vehicles instead of sharing one lane.  During other hours, all vehicles will share the one travel lane.
  • Once the concrete bus pad is poured and while it is curing, crews will plan to open a second lane for the traveling public.  

 In addition, parking will be removed from SW 4th Avenue in front of City Hall.  Disabled parking will remain open for use on that block.

 We ask the public to travel cautiously, observe all work zone signage, and use alternate routes if possible.  This work is weather-dependent and the schedule may change.

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Contact: Diane Dulken 503-823-5552 diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov