Building a Better 82nd: September 6, 2024

Newsletter
The image below is an illustration of the vision for the future of 82nd Avenue. While the changes depicted in the image will not be implemented immediately, they may become feasible as redevelopment takes place and transit improvements are implemented. In the short term, the Building a Better 82nd Avenue project is designed to enhance safety, setting the stage for future improvements to be integrated over time in alignment with the City’s Transportation System Plan.
Biweekly email updates about Building a Better 82nd
Published

Oregon Delegation Announces $9.6 Million for the City of Portland to Make Critical Safety Improvements Along 82nd Avenue  

Yesterday Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, alongside U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici, announced new federal funding to improve one of Portland’s most important, high-crash corridors.  

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is awarding the City of Portland $9.6 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make essential safety improvements on a seven-mile segment of 82nd Avenue. 

The City of Portland will use the $9.6 million federal investment – from DOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program – to close critical crossing gaps, deploy proven tools to address high-crash locations, and improve safety and equity. Pieces of the project include installing raised center medians, a pedestrian signal, full traffic signals, “no turn on red” signage at major traffic signal intersections, and updating signal timing, as well as funding a safety education and marketing campaign. Additionally, funding will be used for supplemental planning such as conducting road safety audits and a systemwide analysis. This will further develop roadway design alternatives and safety action plans for additional multi-lane high-crash-network streets. 

Read the full press release


Share Your Thoughts About the Future of 82nd Avenue: 

Visit the Online Open House and Survey! 

Have ideas about 82nd Avenue? We invite you to visit the online open house, open until Sept. 15, to share your perspective about recommended policies, projects, and proposed improvements. Your insights are vital in shaping the plan that will be presented to the Portland City Council for adoption. We look forward to your valuable input!

The image below is an illustration of the vision for the future of 82nd Avenue. While the changes depicted in the image will not be implemented immediately, they may become feasible as redevelopment takes place and transit improvements are implemented. In the short term, the Building a Better 82nd Avenue project is designed to enhance safety, setting the stage for future improvements to be integrated over time in alignment with the City’s Transportation System Plan.
The image above is an illustration of the vision for the future of 82nd Avenue. While the changes depicted in the image will not be implemented immediately, they may become feasible as redevelopment takes place and transit improvements are implemented. In the short term, the Building a Better 82nd Avenue project is designed to enhance safety, setting the stage for future improvements to be integrated over time in alignment with the City’s Transportation System Plan.

Construction Updates

82nd Avenue Major Maintenance Project 

A large group of 82nd Avenue advocates, State and City Leaders, PBOT staff and Raimore Construction crewmembers stand in front of construction vehicles as part of the 82nd Avenue Major Maintenance Project Groundbreaking Ceremony. 
State, city and community leaders joined the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) on August 22 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the 82nd Avenue Major Maintenance project. Construction on PBOT's 82nd Avenue Major Maintenance started recently and will continue to ramp up through the winter. 

Current construction activities: Underground utility work is underway. The traveling public can expect periodic lane closures along 82nd Avenue between SE Powell Boulevard and Foster Road and on side streets in the area. 

This fall, construction of ADA corner ramps, sidewalks and driveways will begin.

Learn more about the Major Maintenance Project

82nd Avenue Pedestrian Crossings

A construction worker in a bucket installs a traffic signal head on a silver mast arm. The signal sits atop a newly constructed sidewalk with orange construction fencing and cars in a parking lot in the background.
A construction worker in a bucket installs a traffic signal head at SE 82nd Avenue and Schiller Street. In August, contractors with PBOT installed traffic signal equipment on NE/SE 82nd Avenue at the intersections of Schuyler, Clinton and Schiller streets. These intersections are three of six new pedestrian crossings coming to 82nd Avenue in 2024.

Current construction activities: 

  • NE Beech – Roadway demolition and underground electrical work
  • NE Schuyler– Utility relocations and corner ramp reconstruction
  • SE Ash– Roadway and concrete work

The traveling public can expect to see lane closures and side street closures at intersections with construction activitity as part of this work.

82nd Avenue Street Lighting

As part of the 82nd Avenue Street Lighting Improvements Project, PBOT is upgrading street lighting on NE/SE 82nd Avenue within the city limits. Contractors with PBOT completed installation of new street light equipment last month. We anticipate the new street lights will be operational this fall.

Learn more about 82nd Avenue construction


Grants and programs available 

Local Small Business Repair Grants 

This program offers grant support to local small businesses. The Local Small Business Repair Grants are emergency funds that use funding allocated by City Council to provide support of up to $10,000 to local small businesses needing immediate repairs.

Portland Housing Bureau's Eviction Legal Defense Program

Renters! If you have received a termination notice, housing subsidy termination notice, or eviction court papers, you may be eligible for free legal support though the Portland Housing Bureau’s Eviction Legal Defense Program. To see if you are eligible and to apply, please contact Oregon Law Center at 888.585.9638 or evictiondefense@oregonlawcenter.org. In your message, please include your name, date of birth, and whether you have received a termination notice, housing subsidy termination, or an eviction court case.

Learn more and apply today

Mini-Grants for non-profit organizations available 

With Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) mini grants, organizations can apply for up to $5,000 for activities that align with goals of addressing climate change and advancing racial and social justice. 

Learn more and apply today


Upcoming meetings and events

Tuesday, September 10 | 6:10 – 6:40 p.m. |Building a Better 82nd team presentation to the Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) | Virtual - Register in advance here.