(June 20, 2025) The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) advises the traveling public that installation of bike lane improvements will require daytime closures of a section of the Better Naito Forever bike lanes downtown near the Burnside and Steel bridges, starting Monday.
People driving on Naito Parkway are urged to go slow and use extreme caution, as some people on bikes may choose to share the travel lanes in the area. Detours will also lead to more bike use in Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park and on other routes in the vicinity.
Starting Monday, June 23, a contractor for PBOT will replace plastic delineator posts with concrete traffic separators, a hardening of the protected bike lane that will reduce on-going maintenance and improve aesthetics on the highly visible downtown corridor.
Crews will work on SW Naito Parkway under the Burnside Bridge (between SW Ankeny and NW Couch streets) and in the sections of NW Naito between NW Davis and NW Hoyt streets.
The work is expected to be complete on July 7.
Crews will work from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on business days and possibly weekends. One or both directions of the bike lane may be closed for periods of construction, with detours. At those times, on the east side of Naito, southbound cyclists will be detoured through Waterfront Park and northbound cyclists will be directed to merge with traffic. On the west side of Naito, southbound cyclists will be directed to merge with traffic.
Detours will not be needed for the entire length of the project, only in sections where the work is happening that day. But people biking may want to use alternate routes.
The traveling public is advised to expect delays, travel cautiously, observe all closures and use alternate routes if possible. Local access to residences and businesses will remain available. Sidewalks will remain open at all times for pedestrians.
This work is weather-dependent, and the schedule may change.
Reducing maintenance, improving aesthetics
PBOT has been prioritizing the replacement of plastic posts with more permanent, concrete materials, in areas where maintenance and aesthetic needs have been identified.
Maintenance considerations are based on reports from PBOT maintenance staff as to which protected bike lanes require frequent replacement of posts. Aesthetic considerations are based on proximity to commercial districts and anecdotal complaints received by PBOT staff about the appearance of protected lanes.
More installations are coming this year and in 2026. See the schedule of planned improvements on the PBOT website.
For questions or comments about the project
or construction impacts, contact:
Keith Baich
Project Manager
keith.baich@portlandoregon.gov
503-823-5491
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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.