Sidewalk and curb ramp construction to begin on SE 162nd Avenue

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) will begin construction on the SE 162nd Avenue Safety and Access to Transit project this summer. The project will improve safety for people walking, taking transit, biking, and driving on SE 162nd Ave between SE Stark St and SE Powell Boulevard. The transit stop crossings are being constructed as part of a partnership between TriMet and the City of Portland.

What's coming up in the next 3 weeks

Sidewalk and curb ramp work will begin on SE 162nd Ave. This work is dependent on weather, staffing, and material availability. The schedule is subject to change. Interlaken, Inc. is the lead contractor on the project. You should expect:

1. Sidewalk construction on SE Main St west of SE 162^nd Ave and on SE 162^nd Ave north of SE Taylor St. Each of these locations should take about 2 weeks to complete. 
2. Curb ramp construction at corners with outdated corner designs. Curb ramp design requirements are in place to help prevent unsafe situations, such as people falling out of wheelchairs or scooters, or tripping while using a cane or walker. Expect some curb closures and temporary signs restricting on-street parking next to construction. (Want to learn more about how we build curb ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act? Watch PBOT Crew members explain how they build new sidewalk curb ramps for all Portlanders). 
3. Accommodation for pedestrians when existing pedestrian routes are impacted by construction.
4. Construction equipment and construction staff on SE 162^nd Ave as the team prepares for paving.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we build these sidewalks and ramps to make them safer and more accessible for everyone. We ask the public to travel cautiously and observe all directions by temporary traffic signals and flaggers. Watch a short video about what you can expect in our work zones and how you can help everyone stay safe.

What's on tap for late summer

• In August, grinding and paving of the road will begin on SE 162^nd Ave from SE Powell Blvd to Division St and at SE Alder, Mill, and Grant streets. Paving will take about two months. In the first month the center lanes will be paved, and in the second month the outer lanes will be paved. Expect delays when travelling on SE 162nd Ave during construction. (Curious about how people pave a street? Watch PBOT crew members explain how they grind and pave our city streets to create smooth roads).
• More details about paving will be sent in an email after the 4^th of July holiday. We’ll continue to share more detailed construction updates as the information becomes available.