PedPDX Strategy 8: Construct and maintain obstruction-free sidewalks

Information
Buckled, cracked, or uplifted sidewalks were reported to be one of the top pedestrian difficulties citywide in. Addressing these and other obstructions would make walking more enjoyable for all ages and abilities. This strategy is particularly important for people with disabilities.
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ACTION 8.1: Identify financing strategies to help low-income households and other property owners address sidewalk repair.

Measure of Success: Financing strategies identified and initiated for low-income households to address sidewalk repair

Status: No Action

ACTION 8.2: Address sidewalk repair needs along City-owned properties.

Measure of Success: Square footage of sidewalk fronting City-owned properties that have been repaired

Status: In Progress

  • PBOT inspected all the sidewalks connected to PBOT-owned properties. The City Budget Office (CBO) approved PBOT’s funding request as part of the city’s capital set-aside budget. If funded, then we would start sidewalk rehabilitation efforts in 2023. This funding would only address the trip/fall issues and would not address any ramp improvements.
  • PBOT can assist with inspecting sidewalks for the other city bureaus and have contracting options available to fix issues, however PBOT does not have the funding to provide that work ‘pro bono’ for those other bureaus.

ACTION 8.3: Explore a proactive sidewalk inspection program.

Measure of Success: Evaluation of establishing a proactive sidewalk repair program completed

Status: No Action

ACTION 8.4: Update coordination practices with Urban Forestry when trees are uplifting sidewalks and develop joint practices for addressing tree/sidewalk conflicts.

Measure of Success: Joint PBOT and Urban Forestry practices regarding tree roots uplifting sidewalk have been updated and are in place

Status: No Action

ACTION 8.5: Expand property owner education regarding responsibility for maintaining sidewalks.

Measures of Success: Number of communications educating public about sidewalk maintenance

Status: No Action

ACTION 8.6: Update right-of-way design guidelines to provide sufficient room for trees.

Measure of Success: Right-of-way design guidelines updated in the Pedestrian Design Guide

Status: In Progress

  • The updated Pedestrian Design Guide clarifies tree location in the right of way and expands tree treatments, including tree planting in the curb zone, larger tree wells, and additional guidance on continuous planting strips. Phase 2 of the Pedestrian Design Guide will focus on corners and crossings and continue to incorporate guidance for tree planting standards in collaboration with Urban Forestry.
  • PBOT’s Streets 2035 planning effort is underway and will clarify needs and trade-offs when managing constrained right-of-way.

ACTION 8.7: Address utility poles creating obstructions in the through zone of the sidewalk.

Measures of Success: Citywide evaluation of locations where utility poles obstruct pedestrian through zone; Evaluation of potential utility pole obstructions of minimum required pedestrian through zone integrated into Complete Streets Checklist

Status: In Progress

  • A programmatic, citywide evaluation of utility pole obstructions is not feasible at this time. PBOT staff will continue to inspect locations on a complaint basis. TRN-10.45 – Relocation Process for Public Utilities details the “relocation” process as it pertains to private utilities within City of Portland public right-of-way. Pursuant to Portland City Code 17.56.060, the City has the authority to require Utilities to relocate at their expense whenever the Director of the Bureau of Transportation directs. However, specific language and timelines are required to be sent to the Utilities in order to require relocation of facilities.
  • An evaluation of potential utility pole obstructions in the Pedestrian Through Zone has been integrated into the internal Complete Streets Checklist. PBOT staff will continue to internally flag this issue for projects.

ACTION 8.8: Update clear zone requirements for outdoor dining and A-board signage based on new PedPDX pedestrian classifications.

Measure of Success: Requirements for café seating and A-board signage evaluated and updated

Status: In Progress

  • The updated Pedestrian Design Guide provides information on café seating and the pedestrian requirements that must be met in Section B.3.3 Café Seating and Vending.
  • The Healthy Businesses Permitting Program began as a pandemic emergency response that allowed for free, temporary permits for outdoor dining and retail. At this time, PBOT is re-evaluating design standards for the program as it transitions to a permanent program. Design standards should be available by the end of 2022. See Action 10.2 for more information on seating in the right-of-way.

ACTION 8.9: Locate utility vaults outside of pedestrian clear zones.

Measures of Success: New administrative rule for vault lids created and in practice

Status: In Progress

  • PBOT staff have been working to update Administrative Rules to get utility transformers out of the right-of-way (TRN 10.19 and 8.13 modifications, which went into effect on July 1, 2022).
  • There are situations when smaller vaults and water meters need to be in right-of-way, and PBOT staff are working to develop slip resistant standards.
  • While the goal is to have zero utility vault lids in the pedestrian through zone, when vaults must encroach into that space, staff would require a lid standard for slip resistance.

ACTION 8.10: Coordinate with street cleaners to help ensure that pedestrian facilities including curb ramps and crossings are debris-free.

Measures of Success: Coordination and best practices developed for street cleaning regarding pedestrian facilities; Secure dedicated funding to expand the street cleaning activities to include curb ramps and crossings

Status: No Action

ACTION 8.11: Improve enforcement and implementation of pedestrian access requirements around work zones, and establish a system for notifying residents of construction-related changes to pedestrian access.

Measure of Success: Public facing construction mapping system in place as a resource to residents

Status: No Action

ACTION 8.12: Educate about parking violations at driveways and crossings.

Measure of Success: Educational materials created and distributed regarding clearance requirements

Status: No Action

ACTION 8.13: Work with the disability community to develop trip planning assistance.

Measure of Success: Trip planning map or app developed for people with disabilities

Status: No Action

ACTION 8.14: Develop a public reporting system and a process for addressing drainage issues at curb ramps with pooling water.

Measures of Success: Category for curb ramp concerns integrated into PDX Reporter; Dedicated funding to address reported curb ramp concerns secured

Status: No Action