(Oct. 16, 2015) – Weather permitting, this weekend the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation will reconfigure Third Avenue downtown, from NW Glisan Street to SW Stark Street into a two-lane street with a new, buffered bike lane. Installing the improvements will require lane closures on Third Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 18, from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking for motor vehicles on the west side of the street will also be limited during the installation.
This community-led project will result in safer pedestrian crossings, a bicycle lane, reduced travel speeds for motor vehicles, and increased pedestrian space. As a part of the plan, PBOT recently installed 14 new marked crosswalks in the area. The new two-lane roadway configuration will further increase pedestrian safety by creating a shorter distance for pedestrians to cross with moving motor vehicle traffic. The project will also improve the bicycle network by connecting the existing bicycle lane on Third Avenue that terminates at NW Davis with the existing bicycle lanes on Stark and Oak Streets. The new lane will be a wide, buffered bicycle lane to increase comfort for all ages and abilities of bicycle riders, such as tourists and families. The bicycle lane design will also reduce conflict between bicycle and motor vehicle traffic.
The traveling public is advised to expect delays while improvements are being made. We ask the public to travel cautiously, observe all lane closures and directions by reader boards and flaggers, and use alternate routes if possible.
This work is weather-dependent and the schedule may change.
Additional information about the Third Avenue Reconfiguration Project can be found on PBOT’s website.Provide your input on the project on Twitter, using the hashtag #BetterThird.
###
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the City’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation