The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has announced that it will be necessary for the Better Naito bike and pedestrian path under Burnside Bridge to take a brief hiatus. Delaying the installation of the new concrete separators is to accommodate county work on the Burnside Bridge.

Starting today, those who bike, walk, or scoot must move away from a familiar path. Specifically, the section from SW Ankeny to the Burnside Bridge will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for several nonconsecutive weekdays, as reported by the City of Portland's official website. This temporary change will not affect the northbound lane for vehicles, ensuring that your commute by car remains unaffected.

Installing nearly two basketball courts’ length of concrete barriers is a strategic step toward a safer and more maintained path for two-wheel commuters and on-foot travelers alike. The PBOT pledges these barriers will stand the test of time far better than the previous movable bollards. As disruptions kick in, advisories have been issued to expect potential delays and to heed construction zone signage for the safety of workers and fellow commuters.

Alternate paths have been proposed, notably weaving through the Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park for those detoured. But for people opting to bike, it may be worth considering other routes altogether. In any case, with caution and patience, it is best to approach these construction hours, set strictly for weekdays between the cracking of dawn and the mid-afternoon lull. According to the City of Portland, "This work is weather-dependent, and the schedule may change."