The Oregon State Legislature recently passed a new transportation infrastructure package that aims to address issues seen in high-crash corridors and enhance statewide initiatives, such as the Safe Routes to School Program and TriMet bus operations.
“This is an exciting and impressive package of transportation projects and maintenance funds for our entire state but also the City of Portland,” Dan Saltzman, head of the Portland Bureau of Transportation, said. “I look forward to working with community partners, our employees and the private sector in bringing good projects and needed maintenance to Portland’s streets due to this unprecedented level of investment.”
A major part of the transportation package will seek to address a crash-prone section of Powell Boulevard, stretching from SE 99th Avenue to the Portland city limits near SE 174th Avenue. The $110 million project will completely rebuild the four mile corridor and the finished product will include areas for biking, walking and public transit.
The Safe Routes to School Program will be allotted $10 million per year and will grow to $15 million per year beginning in 2022, all of which will be used for adding sidewalks and bike lanes throughout the city.
The package also includes an investment of $35 to $40 million per year to provide expanded service of TriMet bus operations and will include low-income fare for the first time in its history.