Travelers and night owls in Portland may need to adjust their routes, as major construction at E Burnside Street and 97th Avenue kicks off next week. According to the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), the work slated to begin on Monday, January 13th, aims to rebuild the intersection with modern infrastructure upgrades, including the replacement of 50 aging railroad ties near the TriMet MAX light rail.
The overnight construction schedule is set from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. to diminish the impact on commuters and also to reduce construction workers' exposure to traffic, this work should conclude by the morning of Saturday, January 25th, excluding Saturday and Sunday nights. As part of the NE 97th Avenue Phase II and Couch/Davis Street Local Improvement Districts (LID), these changes will enhance the area's accessibility with modernized traffic signals, improved street lighting, and additional pedestrian crossings, according to information on the PBOT website.
Detours for the duration of the construction will reroute westbound drivers via NE 99th Avenue to NE Glisan Street, while eastbound traffic will be directed to use 94th Avenue to continue east alongside NE Glisan Street. Pedestrian and bike traffic, including those navigating the I-205 Multiuse Path, will still be permitted through the work zone with assistance from signs and flaggers to ensure safety and direction.
Further advancements in infrastructure are evident with the recent installation of conduit to support power supplies and communications lines, additional driveway connections, and the construction of sidewalk on NE 97th Avenue north of E Burnside Street with a new crosswalk also now in the works east of 94th Avenue, showcasing tangible progress toward upgrading this pivotal Portland intersection. The project's completion is anticipated in the spring of 2025, when the second phase also begins. Full details of the improvements are available on the project page.
The PBOT extends its gratitude to locals for their ongoing patience as the city works to enhance the safety and utility of its transportation infrastructure through both phases of this LID project. For updates and potential schedule changes due to weather or other factors, citizens are encouraged to check the project page regularly.
