Environmental Services is partnering with PBOT to construct American With Disabilities (ADA) curb ramp improvements throughout the Buckman and Kerns neighborhoods. The work builds on the recently completed Buckman-Kerns Green Street and Sewer Project and will improve accessibility at intersections throughout the project area.
A broad area of the Buckman and Kerns neighborhoods, from NE Glisan St. south to SE Hawthorne Blvd., and SE/NE 11th avenues east to SE/NE 35th avenues to the east has been identified where ramps will be installed. The map of the area, at bit.ly/3VbghHS, will be updated as construction progresses.
Construction was expected to begin as soon as mid-to-late September and will occur in phases through the fiscal year. Work will take place in small areas at a time rather than throughout the entire project area.
The hours for construction are 7 am-3 pm, Monday-Friday, utilizing Saturdays if needed. Construction typically includes white paint marking the proposed work area; removing portions of the sidewalk, curb and pavement; excavating and constructing the new ADA curb ramp and detectable warning panels; and restoring pavement and landscaping affected (when possible).
Most work on a single corner will take one to two weeks. Weather, concrete curing, utility work or other conditions may extend the schedule.
The project team works with Urban Forestry to evaluate and preserve existing street trees whenever possible. At a few locations, tree roots may conflict with the space needed to construct ADA-compliant ramps. If it is determined that construction would significantly affect the health or stability of a tree, removal may be necessary.
Adjacent property owners will be contacted in advance if a tree near their property may be affected or needs to be removed. Replacement trees will be planted in accordance with City requirements, although they may not be planted in the same locations.