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Label:
Transportation
Label:
Engineering and design
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) will construct activated pedestrian crossings at NE Mason, Buffalo, and if funding allows, Cook streets. We'll add protected left turn treatments to NE Killingsworth and Fremont streets to make these intersections more safe for people walking and driving.
Construction planned for 2027
What's happening now?
(12/11/2025) We are in one of the final stages of civil and signal design. We are just beginning the right of way process, which takes about a year to complete. Once all right of way construction easements have been paid for, the project can get formal approval from ODOT to begin the process of bidding the project out to area construction contractors. Once a contractor is selected, likely at the end of 2026 or early 2027, we can start construction. Construction should last about 9 months.
About the project
View maps and details of the project scope
Background
- Martin Luther King Jr Blvd is a main vehicle thoroughfare in Portland and has been for many years. This street has seen both increased car and pedestrian traffic in recent years, resulting in dangerous conditions for people walking. Between 2010 and 2014 alone, there were 99 total reported pedestrian related crashes on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd between NE Tillamook and Ainsworth. Visit Vision Zero to learn more about the City’s commitment to eliminating deaths and serious injuries on our streets.
- The NE MLK Jr Blvd Safety and Access to Transit Project was developed in partnership with the Soul District Business Association. It's intended to bring major investments in safety to address long-standing community priorities.
- The project's budget is $5.76 million dollars. Funding sources include General Transportation Revenue, CREEC (Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center) ADA Curb Ramps, Transportation System Development Charges, Fixing Our Streets, Regional Flexible Funds from Metro, Portland Public Schools, Portland Clean Energy Fund, and Transportation System Management and Operations funds from Metro.
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Project Documents
- Feb. 9, 2026 presentation to Portland City Council Finance Commitee, seeking authority to initiate negotiations and extend offers of just compensation to property owners for acquisition of necessary easements. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the City may proceed with condemnation to obtain these easements.