New concrete traffic separators are being installed on SE Stark, adding physical protection for people using the bike lane on this high crash corridor. Photo by PBOT.
(Nov. 17, 2025) The Portland Bureau of Transportation is installing concrete protection for a bike lane on SE Stark Street from SE 108th to 122nd avenues as part of the bureau's $23 million Safer Outer Stark project.
The work is part of Phase III of Safer Outer Stark, a multi-phase investment strategy to help address the serious safety issues along the high crash corridor in East Portland.
The protected bike lane adds to a variety of safety and maintenance improvements under way. In 2023, PBOT added ADA corner ramps. In May, PBOT maintenance crews repaired and repaved the street surface, extending the life of the pavement and preventing potholes for many years to come. They also painted a buffer -- a narrow space about 1-foot wide -- to separate people biking and people driving in the corridor.
Intermittent lane closures, weekdays through Jan. 6
Last week, PBOT contractor Titan Utilities, LLC began installing the raised, concrete vertical protection for the bike lanes in the striped buffer.
Crews are working in one direction at a time and will always maintain one-lane of traffic around work zones. Anticipated work hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Eastbound lane closures: Crews are starting at the western end of the project area at SE 108th Avenue and working east, closing one eastbound travel lane and the bike lane during work hours. The lane closures will be intermittent each day until expected completion of the eastbound lane, Dec. 5.
Westbound lane closures: After the eastbound lane is complete, crews will work on the westbound lane, starting at the eastern end of the project area at SE 122nd Avenue. As with the eastbound side, work will require intermittent closures of one travel lane and the bike lane during work hours each work day. This is anticipated for Dec. 8, 2025 through Jan. 6, 2026.
The traveling 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.
A minimum of one motor vehicle lane will remain open in each direction as work progresses. Sidewalks will remain open at all times for pedestrians. Public transit riders should check TriMet.org for service impacts.
This work is weather-dependent, and the schedule may change.
Public engagement informs safety improvements
PBOT began constructing safety improvements on SE Stark Street following an 18-month public engagement and planning phase conducted in 2019-20. In 2020, the bureau installed new street lighting between SE 108th and 162nd avenues, filling in gaps along the corridor.
In 2023, a new traffic signal and pedestrian crossing improvements were installed at SE 146th Avenue and Stark Street.While talking to community groups about how to improve the corridor, PBOT was able to identify several project goals and community priorities:
- Reduce deadly and serious crashes for all people using all modes of transportation
- Reduce excess motor vehicle speeds
- Provide safer access and crossings for people walking, rolling, and accessing transit
- Support future development of enhanced transit along the corridor
- Improve street condition
- Improve comfort and visibility for all users, especially pedestrians and people biking
Following the planning phase, PBOT developed a multi-phase investment strategy to help address the serious safety issues along the corridor.
The total estimated budget across all phases is approximately $23 million. Funding includes $11 million from Build Portland (City General Fund), $6 million from Oregon House Bill 2017, $2 million in Transportation System Development Charges, $1 million in Fixing Our Streets funds, $500,000 in Cannabis Tax funds and $1.5 million in federal funds.
For more information, contact Safer Outer Stark Project Team
starkstreet@portlandoregon.gov
503-318-8485
###
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.