EPAP Plan & Updates

TRANSPORTATION

T.1 Improve transit service throughout East Portland

T.1.1 Develop prioritized list for improvements to existing transit stops.

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Organized bus riders to begin identifying and assessing transit stop amenities in East Portland; Obtained grant funding to study and prioritize improvements to stops over two year period (2011-13)

T.1.2 Study potential to increase north-south lines and improve frequency of transit service to serve far East Portland neighborhoods.

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T.1.3 Explore opportunities for expanded transit service and improved connections between East Portland neighborhoods and Columbia Corridor employment areas.

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T.1.4 Study transit service demand in the Foster/Jenne Road/Pleasant Valley area; plan and implement accordingly.

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T.1.5 Evaluate utilization/capacity and management of park-and-ride facilities along MAX Green Line 12 months after opening; plan and implement changes accordingly.

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One year after then opening of the five park and ride lots connected with Green Line I-205 stations we find usage has risen dramatically from a very dismal start. As seen in the table, below, there is reason to believe this may be happening at the expense of some other stations along the East Blue Line.

Eastside MAX Use % Change 2009-2010
Cleveland Avenue 68% -12%
Gresham Garage 20% -15%
Gresham City Hall 58% 12%
181st Avenue/Rockwood 6% -38%
122nd/Menlo Park 22% -7%
Gateway 99% 1%
Parkrose 95% -2%
Total spaces (3091) 53% -3%

Green Line I-205
Main St 16% 250%
Powell 8% 200%
Holgate 72% 137%
Fuller Rd 11% 40%
Clackamas TC 41% 29%
Total spaces (2302) 25% 59%

T.1.6 Implement a pilot project for controlled-access MAX platforms along the Blue Line.

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Maxaction is working with Trimet to develop an Adopt a Station program that will be piloted in East Portland and then span out city wide.

T.1.7 Expand City of Portland and TriMet partnership linking sidewalk improvements with transit stop improvements.

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TriMet recently conducted a study of the condition of the pedestrian network supporting our transit facilities region-wide.

Some of the findings regarding East Portland are that while employment and population densities are higher in some areas of the city, there are employment areas and higher housing densities along transit and especially frequent transit lines. Also, street connectivity (thus influencing the ped environment) is significantly worse east of I-205 than in other parts of the city.

Barriers to ped access to transit include lack of sidewalk connectivity and higher posted speed limits, making it more difficult for many people to walk to and from transit stops.

Many factors were considered for identifying priority areas for attention to pedestrian improvements; these include concentrations of destinations like schools, stores, and community centers, absence of sidewalks, and opportunity sites such as urban renewal areas for which funding might be found. Based on these factors three streets rose to the top in East Portland as high activity need/opportunity streets.
1)SE Foster Rd.
2)SE/NE 82nd Ave
3)SE/NE 122nd Ave

Key intersections for further investigation include SE 82nd & Powell and SE 122nd & Division.

The intent is to use these findings to work with partners to prioritize places for pedestrian infrastructure investments and help seek funding for changes to the built environment that will make these streets safer, and more desirable to walk and take transit.

Oregon Public Health Institute (OPHI) recently received a 2-year grant from the Kaiser Permanente Community Fund and Northwest Health Foundation to improve pedestrian network connectivity in East Portland by working with the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition (WPC), Organizing People Activating Leaders (OPAL), East Portland community members, and public agencies to develop policies, plans, and practices that will more effectively produce improvements in East Portland's pedestrian networks where pedestrians most need them, including transit stop areas.

T.2 Increase safety and convenience of walking throughout east Portland

T.2.1 Prioritize East Portland schools for Safe Routes to School sidewalk and crossing improvements. (see T.7.1)

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Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Safe Routes team developed an equity based metric to determine which schools should be the focus of new infrastructure grant applications. This has resulted in our two most recent infrastructure grants both having an East Portland focus.

On April 22, 2011, PBOT was awarded $500,000 for pedestrian improvements at four schools – including three in East Portland – through ODOT’s Safe Routes to School 2012 Infrastructure Program. PBOT dedicated additional funds from Oregon House Bill 2001 for these projects. The East Portland schools are:

• Kelly K-5 School (PPS)
• Lent K-8 School (PPS)
• Prescott Elementary School (Parkrose SD)

PBOT is also in the final round of consideration for ODOT’s Transportation Enhancement (TE) fund for $1.5 million for sidewalk infill and related improvements at three David Douglas schools:

• Alice Ott Middle School
• Gilbert Heights Elementary School
• Gilbert Park Elementary School

PBOT expects to hear back in May 2011.

Finally, projects were recently completed at Kelly (PPS), Gilbert Heights (David Douglas) and Sacramento (Parkrose) schools, funded with an earlier (2007) $500,000 award from the ODOT Safe Routes Infrastructure Program.

I’m pleased to report that the Transportation Enhancement application Safe Routes to School submitted to ODOT has been funded.

This project will build sidewalks and related traffic safety improvements on the south side of SE Ramona from 122nd to 136th and on the north side of SE Holgate from 122nd to 130th. In addition to providing service to the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, these projects will help the roughly 2000 students attending Alice Ott, Gilbert Park and Gilbert Heights get to and from school more safely and conveniently.

T.2.2 Study, identify and scope funding for pedestrian crossing safety improvements on Glisan, Halsey, Stark, Division, 122nd, and Foster.

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The recently approved Complete and Green Street grant for SE 122nd includes pedestrian crossings at both SE Raymond and SE Schiller to improve access to Raymond Park.

T.2.3 Review policies and procedures to ensure pedestrian improvements concurrent with all new development.

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T.2.4 Review policy: prioritize adding sidewalk connections over expanding/widening existing connections.

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T.2.5 Improve landscaping, cleanliness, and patrolling of multi-use paths and neighborhood pedestrian paths.

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ODOT and Friends of Trees in the Spring of 2011 were the recipients of two awards for the I-205 Multi-Use Path: A New Forest Grows initiative where we are adding thousands of trees and shrubs over a 3 year period along the 205 path with support from Metro's Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grant program and volunteers and partners. The 2 awards were: Women Transportation Seminar Diversity Award and Oregon Community Trees - a statewide Government award!

In April of 2011, the Portland City Council adopted an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City, ODOT and PDC to make improvements to NE 97th Avenue. As part of this project, ODOT is contributing $50,000 toward improving the
I-205 Multi-Use Path in this section between Burnside and Glisan in particular to improve drainage.

New and updated first year plantings statistics from ODOT/Friends of Trees I-205 Multi-Use Path Greening Effort:

-Held 7 plantings
-Planted 1,570 trees along with 835 shrubs/smaller stock trees for a total of 2,405 total plants put in ground
-Recruited a total of 435 volunteers who helped with plantings for total of 1,754.50 volunteer hours with an estimated cash value of $34,230.00
-Leveraged cash match from private sector businesses, nurseries, foundations, public sector agencies and others in the amount of $484,659.13
-Generated 16 green jobs for minority at-risk youth with Portland Opportunities Industrialization Council and financial support from PDC
-Generated green jobs for mainly disadvantaged folks of color who are enrolled in a non-profit organization called Verde - in their environmental job training, employment, and entrepreneurial programs to provide tree and plant establishment (watering) for the I-205 Multi-Use Path greening initiative

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) participated in nearly all of the bike rides that Portland Bureau of Transportation organized that included routes on the I-205 Multi-Use Path. ODOT staff talked about the ODOT/Friends of Trees Inititiave and pointed out tree and shrub plantings. Friends of Trees also led a bike ride along the I-205 Multi-Use Path as part of Pedalpalooza to highlight and discuss the tree and shrub plantings and the tree species.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) in collaboration with Friends of Trees acquired a 3 year grant in the amount of $410,000 funded by Metro Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grant Program. The project will plant thousands of trees and shrubs along the path in ODOT right-of-way from Marine Drive South to the City of Gladstone and will be touted as a statewide model for how to green ODOT right-of-way. In the first year, Winter 2009 to Spring of 2010, there were:

7 plantings
# of trees planted along the path this season: 1,570
# of shrubs / smaller stock trees planted along the path this season: 835
Total # of plants: 2,405
# of volunteers from this past season: 420
# of volunteer hours: 1,684

T.3 Increase safety and accessibility of bicycling in East Portland

T.3.1 Install striped bike lanes on all major arterials throughout East Portland; prioritize areas with gaps in the bike network.

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A striped buffered bike lane has been installed on SE Holgate between I-205 and SE 122nd.

T.3.2 Increase street sweeping on arterials with bike lanes and paths.

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T.3.3 Develop complete and more well-defined bike system plan for East Portland; consider/incorporate safety innovations such as divided bike lanes, "bike boxes", path systems.

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EPAPbike has had three public meetings with Greg Raisman & Ellen Vanderslice of PBOT Traffic Safety group, about creating an East Portland Bicycle Master Plan, as mandated by City Council when they passed the Portland Bicycle Master Plan 2030. Greg & Ellen have put forth a framework of creating 5-6 miles per year of new neighborhood greenways (what used to be called bicycle boulevards) over the next 4-5 years, as well as filling in bike lane gaps and eventually connecting the current I-84 MUP with the projected Sullivan's Gulch MUP. An expensive bike/ped bridge over or under I-84 is likely needed to connect Argay & Parkrose with the rest of East Portland. The East Portland Bicycle Master Plan must be submitted to City Council by June 30, 2011. The meetings are every third Thursday at Muchas Gracias, 1307 NE 102nd Ave, at 6:30 PM.

T.3.4 Improve and promote Springwater Corridor trail as commuting route; consider adding trailheads/parking.

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T.3.5 Provide bike outreach info with East Portland focus.

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Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) in collaboration with sponsors and partners including East Portland Action Plan, Bicyclists of Color, Audubon Society of Portland, Community Cycling Center, Portland Bureau of Transportation and Friends of Trees and TriMet planned the first annual Equity Ride which began at IRCO and included a stop at PCC (at 82nd/Division) and a stop along the I-205 Multi-Use path. There were about 70 folks on the ride and 35 to 40 of the riders were people of color. The purpose of the ride was to focus on and talk about racial, geographic, economic and environmental equity efforts.

T.3.6 Assess bike safety issues in key areas - Mall 205, Lents, and Division Street;implement improvements.

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Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) commissioned Alta Planning + Design to conduct a study in the amount of $50,000 to survey and gather technical information regarding the I-205 Multi-Use Path and to make recommendations for improvements. The study will be used to engage the community, prioritize improvements, identify and secure funding to make future improvements along the path within ODOT right-of-way.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) in collaboration with TriMet completed the installation of lighting along the I-205 Multi-Use Path from Lents south to Clackamas Town Center with $400,000 in ARRA (federal stimulus funds) in November of 2009.

ODOT is continuing its collaboration with TriMet to install lighting along the I-205 Multi-Use Path from Clackamas Town Center to Gladstone which will be complete in 2011. This project also is utilizing ARRA funds.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is working on the design elements necessary to initiate the new construction of a bicycle and pedestrian undercrossing at Division Street as part of the I-205 Multi-Use Path. The undercrossing will be constructed to allow bicyclists and pedestrians to ride or walk on a continuously separated path instead of necessitating the need to cross the 5 lane section of SE Division Street. Construction is slated to begin in the Summer of 2011.

T.4 Improve safety and multi-modal function of arterial and collector streets throughout East Portland

T.4.1 Identify and implement low cost/high impact maintenance improvements on SE Powell Boulevard.

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ODOT is working with the City of Portland to address gathering water at "Lake Powell" just east of I-205 to figure out drainage fix.

Bureau of Transportation Maintenance Operations maintains island plantings(grass/weeds) on designated area's on SE Powell. Large trees are maintained by City Parks Bureau under the Forestry group.

T.4.2 Implement Powell Boulevard Safety Improvements: 122nd Avenue to 136th Avenue.

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T.4.3 Initiate Powell Boulevard street improvement planning; consider TGM grant to begin process.

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Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) funded a 2009 Powell Drainage study. The study, conducted by a consultant was in the amount of $150,000. The information gathered will help inform the outer Powell Transportation Growth Management grant.

ODOT and DLCD's TGM program awarded $335,000 to the City of Portland to conduct a study for Outer Powell. This is a City-led project where ODOT and PBOT are working closely together with the consultant and the community.

T.4.4 Implement 102nd Boulevard Improvements - Phase 2.

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Design and right-of-way work for Phase 2 of the 102nd Ave has begun. Street Improvement, construction will likely to begin in late 2012.

T.4.5 Study/ implement signal timing changes on Burnside at 102nd, 122nd, and 148th to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion.

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T.4.6 Develop sidewalks on 104th Avenue.

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T.4.7 Develop and implement safety improvement plans for collectors adjacent new development areas: 117th and 136th Avenues.

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T.4.8 Implement 122nd Avenue Safety Improvements at high crash intersections.

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First open house for 122nd is on Sunday, May 1 from 1:00-3:00 at Midland Library. Initial work to identify the high crash intersections (Division, Stark, Glisan, Powell, Halsey) has begun. Next steps include evaluating potential safety improvements. Preparation underway to be ready for discussion with district coalitions and neighbors about proposed improvements planned in September 2011.

T.4.9 Implement Sandy Boulevard Safety Improvements: 122nd Avenue to 141st Avenue.

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The Sandy Blvd. (US 30 Bypass) project improves safety between NE 122nd Avenue to NE 141st Avenue by widening and rebuilding the highway.

Key project elements include:

Add a continuous left-turn median to provide safer vehicle turning movements
Two 12-foot travel lanes
Two 6-foot bike shoulders
One 6-foot sidewalk on the south side only (there are railroad tracks on the north side)
One 4-foot planter strip on the south side only
Upgrade the traffic signals at the intersections of Sandy Boulevard and NE 122nd Avenue and NE 138th Avenue
Install new durable pavement striping
Click here for a project information summary (pdf document).

Project Need:
This stretch of Sandy Boulevard (US 30 Bypass) between NE 122nd Avenue and NE 141st Avenue has a high incidence of crashes. There currently is one lane in each direction, with vehicles headed west stopping traffic to make left turns to businesses on the south side of the highway. Congestion caused by vehicles trying to make left turns also leads to rear-end collisions. Sidewalks are missing in most of the project area.

By adding a median turn lane through the project area, vehicles will be able to more safely make left turns. Sidewalks will make it safer for pedestrians to get to their destination. The shoulder/bike lane will give cyclists a safer buffer from motorized traffic.

Timeline:

** Project design: now through spring/summer 2012
** Construction starts: fall/winter 2012
** Construction ends: winter 2014

Construction Impacts:
Lane closures will be required to complete portions of the highway reconstruction. There likely will be temporary delays on Sandy due to construction activities. ODOT will stage construction so that access to businesses will be maintained during construction.

T.4.10 Initiate Sandy Boulevard street improvement planning; consider TGM grant to begin process.

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T.4.11 Refurbish and maintain landscape traffic islands: Sandy Blvd (102nd to 122nd); 122nd Avenue (North of Glisan).

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T.4.12 Repair potholes throughout area.

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The Bureau of Transportation, Maintenance Operations has an enhanced response system that strives to make pothole repairs on a first come basis. Generally potholes are filled within 10 business days. Some pothole locations called in result in mulitiple repairs. Crews scout out the area for other surface road problems and make every effort to be cost efficient by location. This action creates the projected 10 business days or longer response time. All repairs do take into consideration logistics and location. The Bureau of Transportation has developed multiple methods to report potholes and street deficiencies. Maintenace operations has installed 100 informational signs throughout the city informing drivers of a telephone number to call to report potholes, 503-823-BUMP(2867). Residents are also encouraged to visit the city website for details on this program as well as others. www.portlandonline.com/transportation. Since 2004 crews have repaired over 39,000 potholes to date, 12/22/10. Crews do repair potholes on all streets. Crews maintain paved roads to like condition.

T.4.13 Consider role of SE 136th Avenue Division to Foster - update local and regional designations.

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T.4.14 Explore SDC and other funding opportunities for improving SE 136th Avenue, Division to Foster.

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T.4.15 Advocate to make improvements to Powell Boulevard (US 26) east of I-205 a regional priority.

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T.5 Improve the unimproved local streets in East Portland

T.5.1 Develop best practices pilot project to accelerate local street improvements; explore funding options, design standards, criteria for qualification.

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A Citywide process was conducted that resulted in Council's adoption of Resolution #35937 on November 1, 2000. The accompanying document was the 11/01/00 Council Report, "Improving Portland's Local Infrastructure: Recommendations for the Local Improvement District Process."

T.5.2 Develop information and outreach campaign to residents along unimproved streets to increase participation in Local Improvement Districts (LIDs).

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Outreach was made throughout the Lents Town Center Urban Renewal Area in the summer of 2010 to prioritize the use of Portland Development Commission funding for street improvements. SE 118th Avenue from Pardee Street to Liebe Street was ranked highest per criteria established at the outset of the Lents Town Center URA. Petition support of 74% was achieved and formation of the LID received final Council approval on 5/18/11.

Council approved formation of the NE 136th Avenue Phase I LID (from north of Prescott Court to south of Whitaker Way) in the Argay neighborhood on September 1, 2010. This LID was initiated by local property owners and although in the Airport Way Urban Renewal Area, does not utilize urban renewal funding.

The SE 152nd Avenue LID (from Barbara Welch to north of Bybee) was completed on April 1, 2009. This LID was initiated by City Council and utilized developer and BES funding.

PDC partnered with Bureau of Environmental Services, Bureau of Transportation and property owners on NE 97th Ave, from Glisan to Davis. Property owners petitioned, and City Council approved, formation of a Local Improvement District to assist in funding approximately 1/3 of project for street improvements, add sidewalks, and improve the multi-use path. City Council approved construction bid on April 6, 2011.

T.5.3 Evaluate and modify policy and administration for building sidewalks on public streets during development process (address waiver of remonstrance issue).

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T.5.4 Study and develop an alternative street standard for local streets in East Portland.

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T.6 Improve connectivity in East Portland

T.6.1 Develop a complete and more well-defined future street plan for East Portland.

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T.6.2 Develop priorities for decision-making on transportation improvements; consider connections to parks/open space/schools, "green street" design, public safety needs.

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T.6.3 Initiate a Powellhurst-Gilbert connectivity and urban form study. (see H.6.3)

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T.6.4 Explore ways to improve the function, safety and convenience of the I-205 interchanges at Division Street and Powell Boulevard.

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The Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) includes Mobility Corridor Strategies that identify improvements needed in the region, including East Portland corridors. The RTP sets the policy direction for transportation planning in the region as well as eligibility for federal transportation funding. Mobility Corridor # 8: Oregon City to Gateway: identifies I-205 Powell/Division interchanges as facilities needing improvement. Inclusion in the RTP makes it possible to secure federal funds for these improvements and the mobility corridor strategies will be used as a guide for priorities and local agency implementation.

T.6.5 Institute policy and develop plan to provide accessible transportation options (sidewalks, streets, connections) for people with physical disabilities.

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- Aging & Disabilities Services is revising county funded transportation services for seniors & people with disabilities in East Portland to increase door-to-door transit options.

T.6.6 Acquire property and develop streets in Central Gateway.

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Portland Development Commission partnered with Bureau of Environmental Services and property owners on NE 97th Avenue, beginning at Glisan to Davis, for street improvements and add sidewalks. This will lay the foundation for a proposed redevelopment project that would dedicate property adding NE Flanders, which would connect NE 97th to NE 99th, improving connectivity and pedestrian/bicycle access. Construction Bid for NE 97th Ave improvements published 4/11/11, closing 4/28/11.

T.7 Foster equity in transportation decisions and services

T.7.1 Prioritize East Portland schools in "safer routes to school" funding and implementation. (see T.2.1)

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T.7.2 Identify and prioritize East Portland street improvement projects.

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Advocating for fair share and more of transportation investment in East Portland communities at local (City) and regional (TriMet and Metro's Regional Flexible Fund Taskforce) levels.

T.7.3 Prioritize transportation safety improvements at high-crash intersections.

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T.7.4 Establish East Portland Neighborhood Office transportation committee to prioritize projects and advocate with committees and elected-officials.

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Developed community-based leadership team comprised of East Portland bus riders and transit activists; will integrate this effort into EPAP efforts in 2011 so as to assist with and lead prioritization and advocacy

T.7.5 Engage Bicycle Transportation Alliance, Elders in Action and Willamette Ped Coalition in advocating for East Portland safety improvements.

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T.7.6 Study impact of Urban Growth Boundary expansion on future traffic on Foster Road, Powell Boulevard and other key streets. Develop regional funding approach for necessary improvements.

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