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PBOT is prioritizing upgrading bike lanes on many streets by replacing plastic delineator posts with more permanent material, typically either a concrete traffic separator or, in the case of parking protected bicycle lanes, concrete islands.
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 Avenue (NE Morris Street to NE Fremont Street) | 550 | Completed 2024 |
| NW Naito Avenue (NW Davis Street to NW Hoyt Street) | 3300 | Completed 2025 |
| NE Couch Street (NE 6th Avenue to NE 7th Avenue) | 260 | Completed February 2026 |
| SW Madison Street (SW 2nd Avenue to SW 4th Avenue) | 560 | Completed February 2026 |
| NW/SW 16th Avenue (NW Flanders Avenue to SW Alder Avenue) | 1005 | May 2026 |
| SE Hawthorne Avenue (SE Grand Street to SE 12th Avenue) | 1820 | Summer 2026 |
| SE Morrison Street (SE 12th Avenue to SE 6th Avenue) | 1560 | Summer 2026 |
| NE Glisan Street (122nd Avenue to 125th Avenue) | 510 | Summer 2026 |
| SW Main (SW 3rd Avenue to SW 4th Avenue) | 290 | TBD |
| SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway (SW 39th Avenue to SW 65th Avenue) | 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. Construction completed on SW Madison Street and NE Couch Street February 2026. Design completed on SW 16th Street Separators April 2026; construction soon after.
Updated March 2026.
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.