Ownership of 82nd Ave. was transferred from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) six months ago and PBOT has now begun a multi-year effort to bring urgent safety and maintenance repairs to the street.
The first step has been to install new speed reader boards, which alert drivers to “Slow Down” while providing real-time feedback on how fast they’re driving, and traffic signal controllers along the seven-mile corridor that provide a major upgrade to bring PBOT’s signal technology up to modern standards. A total of 18 intersections on 82nd Ave. will receive the controllers.
The Critical Fixes projects will take place between 2023 and 2026, the first stage of the $80 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding on 82nd Ave. The investments will deliver basic safety and maintenance repairs to the corridor, including crossings, lighting, safety upgrades at intersections and sidewalk improvements. PBOT will improve signal timing, begin to implement safe speeds and will upgrade signet and striping along the corridor this spring. Over the summer, construction will begin on six new signalized pedestrian crossings and street lighting improvements.
The largest Critical Fixes project, the 82nd Avenue Major Maintenance project, is now entering the design phase. During the design phase, engineers will develop detailed plans for the improvements and enhancements coming to the street. These include civil elements like concrete pedestrian crossing islands, paving and ADA standard curb ramps, electrical elements such as signals and lighting enhancements, and traffic elements that identify the specific placement of street markings along the corridor. As part of the design process, PBOT staff will engage with property owners and residents along the corridor and offer opportunities for feedback on various aspects of the project’s design.
Questions about the project can be directed to the PBOT 82nd Avenue Project team at 503.865.8282 or 82ndavenue@portlandoregon.gov.
