Flanders Connector at NW Naito and Glisan

Transportation

Engineering And Design

The Flanders Connector at NW Naito and Glisan will provide a new crossing for pedestrians and people biking at Naito Parkway, connecting Waterfront Park to the Flanders Greenway. The project will also improve the existing railroad crossing of Naito for people driving, walking, and biking.

2024 - 2027

Image shows conceptual plans overlayed over satellite image of Naito Parkway at the Steel Bridge — Concept Drawing of Flanders Connector at NW Naito and Glisan

What's happening now?

Project design reached the 30% milestone in February of 2025. The project is progressing towards environmental clearances and 95% plans, expected in 2026.

Project goals

Enhance the crossing of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks for people driving, walking, and biking.
Establish a street-grade crossing of Naito Parkway south of the Steel Bridge for pedestrians and people biking.
Complete the NW Flanders Neighborhood Greenway project, providing a continuous connection for people walking and biking on NW Flanders between Tom McCall Waterfront Park and NW 24th Avenue
Allow for the installation of a Quiet Zone at the rail crossing

Project background

In 2003, Portland Police Bureau requested the removal of a pedestrian overcrossing of Naito attached to the Steel Bridge due to concerns around crime. Since then, PBOT has been working to reestablish a crossing of Naito at street grade south of the Steel Bridge. Such a street level crossing requires changes to the signals and safety gates owned and operated by Union Pacific Railroad underneath the Steel Bridge at Naito. These upgrades to the rail crossing itself would have the additional benefit of enabling a quite zone, as long requested by neighbors in Old Town / Chinatown.