News Advisory: Commissioner Novick to dedicate city's first creative crosswalk June 9; Portlanders get to walk on raindrops in Old Town

(June 8, 2015) – Commissioner Steve Novick and PBOT Director Leah Treat will join Old Town business leaders on Tuesday, June 9 to dedicate Portland’s first pair of ‘creative crosswalks,’ an eye-catching pattern of raindrops with a giant umbrella that guides pedestrians across NW Third Avenue and Davis Street.

The raindrop installation, planned and designed with community input, is intended to improve pedestrian safety and contribute to the district’s vitality.  It is one of several crossing improvements in Old Town Chinatown but the first artistic crosswalk.

WHAT: Installation and dedication of the city’s first creative crosswalk, a public-private project between the city and the community.

WHEN:  10 a.m. crews begin installation. 11 a.m. ribbon cutting and walk on raindrops

WHO:  Commissioner Novick, PBOT Director Leah Treat, Jake Kaempf of Ampersand Content in Old Town, who contributed the design, and other members of the Old Town Chinatown community.

VISUALS: PBOT crews installing the thermoplastic design. Ribbon-cutting celebration of the creative crosswalk, officials and community members walking across raindrops.

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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                  

Media Contact:

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