About
In partnership with the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and TriMet, we are making immediate, near-term and longer-term safety improvements within the corridor to make Southeast Powell Boulevard safer for all users.
Click here to view the Inner Powell Improvements with updates on status also shown below as a handout.
Previous and Upcoming Projects along SE Powell Boulevard:
Prior safety improvements along SE Powell Boulevard between SE 20th and SE 34th Avenues were completed in 2019.
Project Elements Included:
- Three enhanced pedestrian signals (Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons, “RRFBs”) installed on Powell Blvd. at SE 24th, 31st and 34th to alert drivers of pedestrians crossing.
- Safer crossings for bicyclists and pedestrians with high visibility striping and center islands.
- A new wider pedestrian waiting area on the southeast corner of 26th Avenue and Powell Boulevard near Cleveland High School provides more space for students waiting to cross Powell Boulevard.
- A new truck apron on the southeast corner of 26th Avenue and Powell Boulevard increases safety by allowing large vehicles to turn without entering the pedestrian zone or encroaching on vehicle lanes.
- New signals at intersections (SE 21st, 26th, 33rd) with enhanced safety features, include bigger and more visible signals and poles, and audible countdown pedestrian signals.
- Tree removals and trimming increases visibility.
- Improved street lighting.
- Enforcement lights for public safety.
- Increased visibility of bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists.
- Sidewalk ADA ramp improvements and repair of some sidewalks.
- Improved signage and more visible street names.
The Central ARTS program improves safety at intersections and streets in the central Portland metro area. Improvement corridors include U.S. 30 Bypass, Powell Boulevard (U.S. 26), Foster Road and Interstate 205. Construction is underway.
- Visit the project website for more information and locations.
Powell-Division Transit and Development Project (TriMet).
- Visit the project website for more project information.
Other Improvements along SE Powell Boulevard:
- Replace or install stop bars at the following locations along Powell Blvd: SE 8th Ave, SE 9th Ave, SE 12th Ave, SE 20th Ave, SE 22nd Ave, SE 23rd Ave, SE 28th Pl, SE 32nd Ave, SE 33rd Pl, SE 35th Pl, SE 36th Pl, SE 37th Ave, SE 38th Ave, SE 45th Ave, and SE 49th Ave. Completed 2023.
- Replace stop signs, street name signs, guide signs and traffic pattern signs at the following locations along Powell Blvd: SE 8th Ave, SE 9th Ave, SE 12th Ave, SE 13th Ave, SE 20th Ave, SE 22nd Ave, SE 23rd Ave, SE 28th Pl, SE 32nd Ave, SE 33rd Pl, SE 35th Pl, SE 36th Pl, SE 37th Ave, SE 38th Ave, SE 45th Ave, SE 49th Ave, SE 57th Ave, and SE 58th Ave. Completed 2023.
- Replace traffic signal heads on Powell Blvd. at the following locations: SE 13th Ave and SE 28th Ave. Completed 2023.
- Install a new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB), new lighting and upgrade sidewalk curb ramps to make them ADA-compliant at SE 36th Ave and Powell Blvd. Construction starts late 2024.
- Upgrade sidewalk curb ramps and pedestrian signals to make them ADA-compliant at the intersection of SE 92nd Avenue and Powell Blvd. The improvements create safer and more accessible highway connections for all sidewalk users. Construction starts late 2024. Visit the project website for more project information.
Location
U.S. 26
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SE Powell Boulevard from SE 8th Avenue to the I-205 interchange with a focus on SE 21st to SE 31st Avenues.
Cost and Funding
Coming soon
What Problem Will This Improve?
Project improvements are expected to increase safety by reducing serious crashes within the project area while minimizing traffic impacts to the neighborhoods and local businesses.
This area of Powell Boulevard (U.S. 26) serves 34,600 to 38,500 cars and trucks per day, in addition to thousands of bicyclists, transit riders and pedestrians. People use the corridor to go to schools, parks, social service agencies, restaurants and shopping. This section of Powell Boulevard is also used by commuters traveling through the area by car and bus to get to work in other areas of the city and by trucks for deliveries to businesses.
Part of ODOT's mission is to provide a safe, efficient transportation system. This busy section of Powell Boulevard (US26) has a history of safety issues and is a high priority for Safety Funding on the state system. There are high rates of rear end and turning crashes involving motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Factors contributing to these crashes include poor visibility of bicyclists and pedestrians, limited sight distances, frequent left turns and side streets that are close together. The accident frequency and severity merits needed safety improvements.
Additional Information
For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services, or more information call 503-731-4128, TTY 800-735-2900 or Oregon Relay Service 7-1-1.
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