(April 27, 2023) The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and TriMet will improve transit speed and reliability for five TriMet bus lines by adding a new bus-and-turn (BAT) lane on the south side of SW Jefferson Street between SW 16th and 18th avenues. Construction begins in May on the SW Jefferson Bus/Bike Improvements Project and is expected to last through the end of June.
A new protected bike lane will also be added as part of the project to improve safety for people bicycling. A new concrete transit island with an ADA curb ramp will also be constructed at SW Jefferson and 17th Avenue.
“This is an investment in making transit faster and more reliable for people who live and work in Goose Hollow,” said PBOT Interim Director Tara Wasiak. “Our partnership with TriMet will benefit people riding the bus, driving, biking, and businesses overall. The new bus-and-turn lane will reduce the back-up for drivers looking to get on US-26, the protected bike lane will make it safer for folks pedaling, and all modes of travel will have improved access to businesses in the area.”
“TriMet thanks our partners at PBOT for continuing to find innovative ways to help bus riders reach their destinations faster,” said TriMet Chief Operating Officer Bonnie Todd. “Not only will these improvements reduce delays for buses, they improve safety and convenience for riders while they wait for their ride. That’s a win-win in our book.”
As part of the project, TriMet Lines 6 and 45 will move from serving SW Jefferson & 16th Stop ID 3052 to the new transit island stop at SW Jefferson & 17th Avenue. Lines 55, 58 and 68 will continue to serve SW Jefferson & 16th Stop ID 3052.
The project will result in improved pedestrian, transit and bicycle access to businesses and services along SW Jefferson Street.
This project includes some parking and loading zone adjustments. After construction:
- Parking will be prohibited on the north side of Jefferson between 16th and 18th avenues
- Two parallel parking spaces will be retained on the south side of SW Jefferson between16th and 17th avenues
- Nine angled parking spaces will be retained on the south side of SW Jefferson between 17th and 18th avenues
Construction Impacts
The traveling public is advised to expect delays while repairs are being made. We ask the public to travel slowly and cautiously in work zones, observe all detours and directions by reader boards and flaggers, and use alternate routes if possible.
Expect dust, noise, vibrations, and heavy equipment near work zones. As always, please keep crews safe by following all traffic control signs and flaggers while travelling through or near work zones.
Parking will be restricted 1 to 2 days before crews begin construction.
During construction, the BIKETOWN station located near SW Jefferson Street and 18th Avenue will be temporarily inactive. The closest BIKETOWN station will be a few blocks to the north at the Providence Park MAX station (SW Morrison and 18th Avenue).
At least one lane of vehicle traffic will be maintained during construction. Pedestrian and bicycle access will be maintained.
People riding transit should visit trimet.org/#alerts/ for the latest service impacts.
This work is weather-dependent, and the schedule may change.
PBOT will provide periodic updates throughout construction. To sign up for construction updates, visit portland.gov/swjefferson.