Bike Lane Separators Project Summary
As of 2024, Portland has more than 50 miles of protected bike lane and roughly 40% of those protected lanes utilize plastic delineators (“wands”) and “tough curb” (bolted down composite “bumps”) to protect the lane.
PBOT is replacing plastic delineator posts with more permanent material, typically either a concrete traffic separator or, in the case of parking protected bicycle lanes, with a concrete island with a wider surface to step on. The project will replace more than 10,000 linear feet of plastic separators in the first 3 years.
Why is This a Priority?
Maintenance: The frequent need to replace delineator posts places an unnecessary burden on PBOT’s maintenance crews. This responsibility takes crews away from addressing the many other needs associated with maintaining a city’s transportation system in good working order. Whereas concrete traffic separators (as well as concrete islands) require infrequent attention.
Aesthetics: Even in good conditions, plastic delineator posts can quickly gain a temporary or lower-quality appearance. While delineator posts are affordable and do allow for quick implementation, they have at times been criticized as Portland not putting its “best foot forward,”
Where Are Projects Taking Place?
| Project Area | linear feet of replacement | Planned Construction Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025, 2026 | ||
| NE 102nd (NE Morris to NE Fremont) | 550 | Completed 2024 |
| NW Naito (NW Davis to NW Hoyt) | 3300 | Completed 2025 |
| NE Couch (NE 6th to NE 7th) | 260 | Winter 2025 |
| NW/SW 16th (NW Flanders to SW Alder) | 1005 | Winter 2025 |
| SW Madison (SW 2nd to SW 4th) | 560 | Winter 2025 |
| SE Hawthorne (SE Grand to SE 12th) | 1820 | Spring 2026 |
| SE Morrison (SE 12th to SE 6th) | 1560 | Spring 2026 |
| SW Main (SW 3rd to SW 4th) | 290 | TBD |
| SW BH Highway (SW 39th to SW 65th) | 7000 | TBD |
UPDATED: What is happening now?
PBOT and PBOT contractors completed construction on replacement of plastic separators with concrete separators on SW Naito Avenue in 2025. Design is complete on SW Madison Street and NE Couch Street sections though construction is awaiting completion of other projects in area, and (in the case of Madison) end of the holiday construction moratorium to complete construction.
Public Involvement Opportunities
Please contact Keith Baich at 503-823-5391 or keith.baich@portlandoregon.gov if you'd like to connect with PBOT staff about this project.