Overlook Neighborhood Update (Oct. 19) – Overlook Neighborhood Association

1) Going Street Bridge repairs update

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) continues to work on short-term and long-term fixes to restore access for travel on the North Going Street Bridge, which provides access to the Swan Island industrial area.

PBOT engineers and contractors are planning on how they can open a fourth lane on the bridge, which would allow two lanes on and off the island in each direction at all times. PBOT is working with Union Pacific to schedule times when the railroad can be shut down to allow access for bridge repairs. This could take months, though PBOT hopes to work with Union Pacific on a plan that might open the fourth lane in weeks.

Permanent repairs, which would open six total lanes, could potentially be completed this spring.

Drivers also should expect a northbound lane on N Greeley Avenue to close soon for the North Greeley Multiuse Path and Paving Project.

Learn more about work fixing the bridge to Swan Island including why PBOT couldn’t use a reversible lane on the bridge for rush-hour traffic flow on the project update site.

2) Metro bond and property tax

Metro, the regional government, has placed on the November ballot a $475 million bond measure for protecting water quality, fish, wildlife habitat and natural areas, and funding related programs. OKNA heard a presentation from opponents of Measure 26-203 at the monthly general meeting this week. Supporters of the measure canceled their presentation shortly before the meeting.

In the interest of ensuring both sides are heard, OKNA agreed to circulate literature from each. Click on the following links to learn more about this bond measure that would be funded by property taxes:

No on 26-203
Yes on 26-203
Voters guide (with more information about the measure)

3) I-5 to I-405 ramp closure postponed

Drivers might have noticed that the planned closures of the Interstate 5 to Interstate ramp and Going Street on-ramp did not occur this weekend. The Oregon Department of Transportation postponed the work due to inclement weather. It will be rescheduled.

4) Learn about Portland’s neighborhood greenways

Portland’s neighborhood greenways are a key component of the city’s transportation system and future. The Overlook Neighborhood has two greenways running through it on N Concord Avenue and N Willamette Boulevard. They are the “sharrow” streets where speedbumps encourage mixed transportation uses and safety.

Join PBOT’s new neighborhood greenway coordinator to learn how this facility type developed, near-term plans for improvements, and what the future holds for these unique bikeways. Gain a better understanding of:

The history of Portland’s neighborhood greenways
PBOT’s evaluation process for the neighborhood greenway system
Where the system is thriving and where PBOT sees deficiencies
How PBOT plans to address the system’s development over the next three to five years

This Lunch and Learn event will take place Friday, Nov. 1, 11:30 am. – 1 p.m. at Portland State University’s Fariborz Maseeh Hall, Room B 128 (in the basement). The address is 1855 SW Broadway.

For more info/sign up to watch online, click here.

Bring your lunch. And bring a mug for the coffee and conversation.