Crews with PBOT contractor La Russo put the finishing touches on an upgrade to the sidewalk where the I-205 Multiuse Path connects to East Burnside near 94th Avenue. (Photo by Portland Bureau of Transportation.)
(Jan. 10, 2025) The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) advises the traveling public that street reconstruction and rail line maintenance will require overnight closures of E Burnside Street from 94th to 99th avenues starting Monday, Jan. 13, and continue each night until the morning of Saturday, Jan. 25.
The road closures are needed so PBOT contractors can rebuild the intersection of E Burnside Street and 97th Avenue. It's a busy intersection, where a TriMet MAX light rail line turns onto Burnside and people biking and walking on the I-205 Multiuse Path cross the road.
Workers will replace 50 aging railroad ties on the light rail tracks and complete roadway improvements close by. The work is occurring at night to minimize disruption to travelers, including TriMet MAX and Line 20 riders, and to reduce construction workers' exposure to vehicle traffic.
The project will improve streets and sidewalks for existing residents while facilitating future housing growth in the Gateway area.
The closures will occur nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Work will not occur on Saturday or Sunday nights.
Pedestrians and people biking, including those traveling along the I-205 Multiuse Path, can continue through the work zone -- but need to obey directions from construction signs, crews and flaggers in the area to ensure their safety and the safety of construction crews.
People driving westbound can use NE 99th Avenue to continue west via NE Glisan Street, while those driving eastbound can use 94th Avenue continue east via NE Glisan Street.
Public transit riders should check TriMet.org for any service impacts.
The public is advised to expect delays, travel cautiously, observe all closures and directions by flaggers, and use alternate routes if possible.
Local access to residences and businesses will remain available.
This work is weather-dependent, and the schedule may change.
Project creates street grid, builds sidewalks and enables housing development
This map shows the improvements planned for the area, including new segments of two streets and sidewalks, pavement and ADA corner improvements.
The work is necessary for PBOT to complete street improvements as part of the NE 97th Avenue Phase II and Couch/Davis Street Local Improvement Districts (LID). As part of the LID, PBOT is constructing street, sidewalk, and stormwater improvements on portions of NE 97th Avenue and on E Burnside, NE Davis, and NE Couch streets for improved accessibility and safety through the area.
When completed this spring, the rebuilt intersection will include modern traffic signals and communications equipment, full-depth pavement reconstruction with 9 inches of asphalt over an 8-inch aggregate base, improved streetlighting, a new pedestrian crossing on the east leg of the intersection, and eight curb ramps that meet current accessibility standards.
PBOT and contractors are coordinating this work with TriMet and the Oregon Department of Transportation, which owns and maintains the I-205 Multiuse Path that is within the project area. The improvements are part of the NE 97th Avenue Phase II and Couch/Davis Street Local Improvement Districts (LID) that began construction last summer.
A second phase of the project will build a new segment of NE Couch Street between 97th and 99th avenues and extend NE Davis Street to 100th Avenue. The bureau is selecting a construction contractor to start construction on that this spring.
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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. Learn more at portland.gov/transportation