As Portland cyclists prepare for a slight detour in their daily commute, safety and aesthetics are taking front stage with the upcoming improvements to the Better Naito Forever bike lanes. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) announced the installation of concrete traffic separators to replace the less durable plastic delineator posts. This upgrade is anticipated to mitigate maintenance and lend a more refined look to the busy downtown pathways near the Burnside and Steel bridges.
From June 23 to July 7, work will take place on SW Naito Parkway under the Burnside Bridge and on NW Naito Parkway between NW Davis and NW Hoyt streets. Crews will operate between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on business days, and these activities may spill into the weekends. Cyclists should expect daytime closures of the bike lane, with detours rerouting them through the Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park, or to merge with traffic on sections of Naito Parkway where work is occurring.
In light of these disruptions, PBOT urges drivers to practice extreme caution, as bikers may share the travel lanes during the construction period. While detours are to be short-lived, affecting only areas under construction, PBOT recommends that cycling commuters consider alternate routes for a smoother journey.
Keeping the public informed, PBOT reassures that the local access to residences and businesses will be maintained and sidewalks will remain open for those on foot. However, given that this work is susceptible to the whims of weather, there is a possibility that schedules could shift accordingly. Commuters are advised to stay alert to potential delays and travel with mindfulness during this period of improvement.
