Traffic Advisory: New and updated ADA corner ramps coming to NW 23rd Avenue, from Lovejoy to Northrup, requiring periodic lane and sidewalk closures May 27 through August

(May 26, 2026) Crews with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) will improve ADA ramps on NW 23rd Avenue at NW Marshall and at NW Lovejoy streets starting on Wednesday, May 27 through the end of August.

The work will require closures of travel lanes and sidewalks in the area, for several days to several weeks at a time. Work will support NW 23rd Avenue's main street pedestrian activity, including businesses and emergency room access at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center.

From May 27 through late August, PBOT sidewalk crews will generally update one corner at a time, to limit the impact on traveling public in this business district that has high population density and pedestrian traffic. For each phase of construction, there will be different closures of travel lanes, sidewalks or parking lanes, so check the Travel Impact Biweekly Updates on the project website for specific details through the summer and plan to observe barricades, traffic signage and instructions from crews at the scene.

Lane and sidewalk closures will be in place all hours, all days, during periods when crews have to dig below the sidewalk and street surface. Some adjustments to stormwater infrastructure will require digging trenches several feet deep. Crews are expected to be present generally 6:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every other Friday.

PBOT paving crews are expecting to return this fall to repave the impacted areas on these two blocks on NW 23rd, after the ramp upgrades have been completed.

View full size image of Map shows parking restrictions along NW 23rd from Vaughn to Northrup.

Map shows recent and upcoming work on NW 23rd Avenue this year as part of the resurfacing project. Map by PBOT.

More work coming soon, so stay up to date

In 2010, PBOT paved NW 23rd Avenue from West Burnside to Lovejoy Street as part of a Capital Improvement Project. At that time the bureau rebuilt corner ramps and removed historic streetcar rails which were the cause of significant pavement deficiencies.

ADA ramp construction is part of theNW 23rd Avenue Resurfacing Project, a short-term fix to address critical pavement failures on one of the busiest neighborhood business districts in the city. The street's base (the support structure under the driving surface) has failed, causing extensive surface cracking, potholes, and water infiltration that extends below the surface of the roadway. The conditions led to unsafe conditions for people traveling along and across the corridor.

The project will improve conditions on the Neighborhood Main Street until the Montgomery Park Streetcar Extension can address the street's structural issues and broader streetscape needs.

Throughout construction, all businesses will remain open, with some flagging and temporary sidewalk routing.

This schedule is tentative and may change. As with all construction projects, expect some dust and noise from heavy equipment, as well as disruptions to traffic.

Always travel cautiously around work zones, observe all lane closures, and follow directions by reader boards and flaggers. Use alternate routes if possible.

For more information
See the project website
Sign up for email updates 
Email: NW23rdpaving@portlandoregon.gov

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides people and businesses access and mobility.