MLK/Grand Transit Lane Improvements

Transportation
Completed
This project added Bus and Turn (BAT) lanes to MLK and Grand between SE Mill and NE Broadway streets, relieving a major pinch point in the transit system. 
Street showing bus driving in a transit-only lane with cars driving in adjacent lanes
October 2020
On this Page

What’s happening now?

Construction on MLK Jr. Boulevard and Grand Avenue is complete. In 2020, PBOT installed new red transit lanes on MLK and Grand between NE Lloyd Boulevard and NE Broadway. In 2021, PBOT installed high-visibility crosswalks at the signalized intersections within these same segments on MLK and Grand. 

Project Overview

By 2035, the Central Eastside is expected to grow by 7,000 households and 8,000 jobs. This project supports the increased travel needs, improving how people get to and move through the heart of the Central Eastside. New red transit lanes on MLK and Grand between NE Lloyd Boulevard and NE Broadway relieve a major pinch point in the transit system. In addition, a transit, commercial truck, and turn lane pilot from SE Mill to E Burnside streets improves transit and freight reliability through the Central Eastside. The MLK and Grand Transit Lane Improvements project will benefit riders on the Portland Streetcar A/B loops as well as TriMet Line 6. 

Map of MLK and Grand between SE Mill and NE Broadway
MLK and Grand Project Overview Map

Project Benefits

Business Access and Transit (BAT) Lanes
New red transit lanes on MLK and Grand between NE Lloyd Boulevard and NE Broadway will improve speed and reliability for riders on TriMet Line 6 and the Portland Streetcar A/B Loops, relieving a major pinch point in the transit system. 

Commercial Truck Pilot
A transit, commercial truck, and turn lane pilot from SE Mill to E Burnside streets will improve transit and freight reliability and access through the heart of the Central Eastside.

High-Visibility Pedestrian Crossings
In 2021, PBOT installed high visibility crosswalks at 32 signalized intersections to improve pedestrian safety. 

Sign up for email updates

Get the latest updates on this project

Public Involvement

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events.

Past events

2020 CCIM Open Houses

  • Wednesday, March 4
  • Tuesday, February 18
  • Wednesday, February 26

Project Funding

$1.8 million

Planning Documents