Traffic Advisory: New and updated ADA corner ramps coming to West Burnside, from 15th to 20th Avenues, requiring periodic lane and sidewalk closures

View full size image of Map shows the limits of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the project, as detailed below.

(August 18, 2026) Crews working with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) began work on updating ADA-compliant accessible corner ramps on West Burnside Street from 15th to 20th Avenues streets this week with work scheduled to continue through this fall.

The work will require closures of travel lanes and sidewalks in the area for several days to several weeks at a time. At least one travel lane in each direction will remain open during construction. Sidewalk access will be maintained during construction on at least one side of West Burnside Street. Portlanders driving or riding transit on West Burnside Street can expect delays, particularly during the morning and evening commutes.

PBOT crews will begin ADA curb ramp work at the northwest corner of West Burnside Street and NW Trinity Place, to be followed with the northeast corner. For each phase of construction, there will be different closures of travel lanes, sidewalks or parking lanes. Check the Travel Impact Biweekly Updates on the project website for specific details through the fall and plan to observe barricades, traffic signage and instructions from crews at the scene.

Lane and sidewalk closures will be in place all hours and all days, during periods when crews must dig below the sidewalk and street surface. Some adjustments to stormwater infrastructure will require digging trenches several feet deep. Crews will work Monday through Thursday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This work is being coordinated with the upcoming I-5 southbound closure. Learn more at I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project Construction Travel Impacts.

PBOT paving crews are expecting to return later in fall to repave the impacted areas on these six blocks on West Burnside Street, after the ramp upgrades have been completed.

Open During Construction

Have you had a chance to check out Riot! Coffeehouse or Wildwood Saloon?

Stop by Riot to grab house-made breakfast sandwiches along with fantastic locally roasted coffee daily between 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. | @riotcoffeehouse

Head over to Wildwood for a drink and celebrate the Portland Thorns and Portland Timbers! Wildwood is open daily from 10 a.m. | @wildwoodsaloonpdx

Thank you, Portlanders, for supporting downtown businesses in the construction area!

Looking Ahead

This work will begin a multi-year effort to repair failing pavement on West Burnside Street between NW 24th Place and 2nd Avenue. The corridor is a designated Emergency Transportation Route for the city, serving ambulances and other first responders.

After the ADA ramp construction, PBOT will proceed to the pavement repair phase, addressing segments of the roadway compromised by settling or water intrusion by removing compromised pavement and restoring it. Weather and scheduling permitting, crews will then grind out the top layer of asphalt from curb to curb and place a new, smooth layer of pavement on top.

Since announcing the paving work on West Burnside Street, PBOT has heard from various community members and groups requesting concurrent safety and livability improvements on the corridor. While this project phase is focused on addressing deferred pavement maintenance between 20th and 15th avenues, PBOT is exploring both interim and future safety improvements to West Burnside Street in response to these concerns.

For more information and to sign up for email updates, please visit: Portland.gov/WBurnsidePaving