Traffic Advisory: Paving begins on SE 136th Avenue project funded by Fixing Our Streets

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Sidewalks, protected bike lanes and street lighting construction continue as project builds key connections to area schools and parks.
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 A new sidewalk under construction on SE 136th Avenue between SE Foster Road and SE Division Street. Photo by PBOT.
A new sidewalk under construction on SE 136th Avenue between SE Foster Road and SE Division Street. Photo by PBOT.
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(April 2, 2021) The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is paving the street and constructing new sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and street lighting on SE 136th Avenue between SE Division Street and SE Foster Road.

A new phase of the project starts on Monday April 5, when contractors will begin repaving SE 136th Avenue between Harold Street and Foster Road. During construction, traffic will be limited to one lane along this section, with northbound traffic detouring first. After the east side is paved, the following two weeks will have a southbound detour. Bus stops for TriMet line 10 along SE 136th Avenue will be closed intermittently along these sections. As always, check TriMet’s service alert page to stay up-to-date. In addition to paving, throughout the month of April and May utility providers will be removing assets such as utility poles for sidewalk construction, which may require additional lane changes along the corridor.

Around late April, paving and detours will continue along SE 136th Avenue, between Holgate Boulevard and Harold Street. 

In early May, paving and detours will continue along SE 136th Avenue, north of Holgate Boulevard. 

The traveling public is advised to expect delays while work is underway. We ask the public to travel cautiously, observe all lane closures and directions by reader boards and flaggers, and use alternate routes if possible. Learn what you can expect in our work zones and how you can help everyone stay safe by watching this video: https://youtu.be/lx3RkJjkjSE

A new protected bike lane on SE 136th Avenue at SE Division Street. Photo by PBOT.
A new protected bike lane on SE 136th Avenue at SE Division Street. Photo by PBOT.

On-street parking changes begin today

Starting April 2, on-street parking will be relocated off of SE 136th Avenue, either for detours or part of the permanent design of the new street. This will continue throughout paving, restriping, and other work happening in April through June. Be sure to park on side streets to help ensure you don’t get ticketed or towed due to lane closures, detours, or the new street configuration. Your assistance in this effort will ensure construction moves as quickly as possible.

PBOT Parking Enforcement will issue warnings in early April, but in some cases may have to tow if vehicles are blocking paving or restriping work. 

The SE 136th Avenue project includes:

  • 1.8 miles of street repaving to provide smoother travel for residents
  • 1.8 miles of continuous sidewalk on the west side of the street to support Safe Routes to School
  • 3.6 miles of new protected bike lanes (1.8mi in each direction) in line with city’s bike master plan
  • 48 new or upgraded ADA curb ramps to ensure people walking and rolling have convenient access to sidewalks.
  • 52 new street trees which will provide shade and a buffer between the street and sidewalk
  • 6 new bioswales to channel, treat, and contain stormwater runoff
  • 1 rebuilt traffic signal at the intersection of SE Division St. and SE 136th Ave. to improve safety and traffic operations.
  • 1.8 miles of upgraded street lighting to meet the city's most recent lighting standards and improve safety.

The SE 136th Avenue project is funded primarily by Fixing Our Streets. Learn more about this project at our website: portland.gov/SE-136th-paving 

A digitally illustrated cross section of SE 136th Avenue shows where new sidewalks and bike lanes will be added to the street.
A digitally illustrated cross section of SE 136th Avenue shows where new sidewalks and bike lanes will be added to the street.

Special note regarding Covid-19 and construction work  

PBOT has been in modified operations since March 17, 2020 and has implemented specific measures to ensure the safety of our crews and contractors. This includes modified shifts, social distancing, and other precautions based on current guidelines from local, state, and federal health officials. Thank you for giving our crews and contractors the space and time they need to keep our city moving.