What's happening now
The project design and engineering phase started in late October 2023. BES and PBOT are currently gathering additional survey needed for the project and have been coordinating on pre-design work.
(Last updated April 2024)
Recommendations
The following document summarizes community engagement and recommendations from the planning phase of the project in the spring and summer of 2023.
Background
Portland Bureau Of Transportation (PBOT) is working to improve intersections along NW 21st Avenue and NW 23rd Avenue in coordination with the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES)Lower Northwest Sewer and Stormwater Project. The planning portion of the NW 21st & 23rd Avenue Intersection Enhancement Project concluded in 2023. The project is moving into design and will be included in the larger NW Northwest Portland Curb Extensions and Enhancements capital project led by PBOT.
The upcoming Lower Northwest Sewer Capacity Project will upgrade public sewer and stormwater pipes and install new water quality treatment vaults. When the road is cut open for underground work, Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) is required to upgrade adjacent curb ramps to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Even ramps that appear functional may not be fully compliant and are required to be rebuilt to ADA standards when sewer and stormwater work touches a corner. This requirement provides an opportunity for curb extensions, curb ramps, and additional placemaking elements to be added at a lower cost and in one construction phase through coordination between PBOT and BES.
This project is funded, in part, through parking revenue from the Northwest Parking District.
Project timeline
The planning and project development phase kicked off in February 2023 and will be completed in summer 2023 with final placemaking design concepts and cost estimates for the ten intersection enhancements. The project will include community engagement with neighbors and businesses, including a stakeholder workshop, an online survey, and door-to-door business outreach. The project will then move into design. Construction is currently estimated to occur from 2025 through 2026.
Community engagement
October 11, 2023 | Northwest Active Streets walking tour of project intersections
September 24, 2023 | NW Parking District SAC Meeting
August 24, 2023 | NW Parking District SAC Capital Projects Subcommittee Meeting
August 14, 2023 | NW Parking District SAC Capital Projects Subcommittee Meeting
August 2, 2023 | Northwest Active Streets Meeting
July 13, 2023 | Resident Focus Group at Gallagher Plaza
July 10, 2023 | NW Parking District SAC Capital Projects Subcommittee Meeting
June 21, 2023 | NW Parking District SAC Meeting
June 20, 2023 | NW Parking District Open House at Lucky Labrador
June 2023 | Outreach to 34 businesses at the ten project intersections
June 7 - June 25, 2023 | Online project survey
May 23, 2023 | NW Parking District SAC Capital Projects Subcommittee Meeting
April 12, 2023 | NW 21st & 23rd Placemaking Workshop for NW Parking District SAC, NW Business Association and NW District Association stakeholders
Review the Identity and Placemaking Look Book presented at the April 12 workshop. The Look Book is a tool for exploring options and having community conversation.
April 3, 2023 | NW Parking District SAC Capital Projects Subcommittee Meeting