Big changes are coming to SW Broadway starting this Tuesday, Jan. 30, as the Portland Bureau of Transportation kicks off a new phase in its SW Broadway Bike Improvements project. This initiative aims to revamp the downtown stretch from the Broadway Bridge to the I-405, enhancing safety and accessibility for Portland's cyclists and hotel guests alike.
Under the new development, PBOT is adding curb extensions which will serve as passenger loading zones outside three downtown hotels, creating safe spots for pick-ups and drop-offs. This improvement follows the lead of the existing passenger zone situated in front of the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall at SE Main Street. The goal is to provide a clear pathway for cyclists while also catering to the hustle and bustle of hotel traffic. Tomorrow, contractors working for PBOT will start building the zones that promise to keep things rolling smoothly.
In a statement from the Portland Bureau of Transportation, it explains, "When complete, the curb extensions will provide safe places for passengers to load and unload while also delineating a clear green lane for people bicycling." Cyclists aren't being left out of the plan—PBOT has designed a system where bike riders will ramp up to sidewalk level to sidestep the curbs and then drop back down to street level as they continue their southbound journey.
The emphasis is not just on creating these zones but also on maintaining a clear separation between the cyclists and the motor vehicles to prevent any mix-ups. Bikers will have to keep their wits about them; as specified by transportation officials, the new layout will require people bicycling to yield to pedestrians, making sure they play nice along the busy downtown sidewalks. Signs and pavement markings will guide cyclists through the ramping process, PBOT has ensured a more navigable and user-friendly environment for all in the heart of Portland.
