Nearly two months after completing underground utility improvements, road crews have returned to SE Washington Street at 84th Avenue to begin reconstruction of all four sidewalk corners. The construction, led by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), is causing temporary eastbound lane closures between SE 82nd and 84th Avenues and is expected to last for several weeks.

The intersection, located in the Montavilla neighborhood, is undergoing these upgrades as part of a broader initiative to enhance pedestrian safety, increase accessibility, and prepare the area for a future bike lane project.

“Workers recently removed the existing north side corners and will soon create enhanced pedestrian infrastructure, including new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramps and curb extensions,” PBOT stated. These curb extensions, also known as bulb-outs, project into the parking lane and serve multiple functions. “The extended sidewalk corners bulb out into the parking lane of Washington Street, shortening the crosswalk distance and increasing visibility for people waiting to cross at the sidewalk’s edge,” PBOT added.

Curb extensions are part of PBOT’s Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. By narrowing the roadway at intersections and improving sight lines between drivers and pedestrians, the new corners are designed to reduce speeds and increase awareness at crossings.

Once construction on the northern corners is complete, crews will shift to the south side of the intersection. The new south corners will remain similar in size to the current ones but will include ADA-compliant ramps and other improvements. These upgrades make the area more accessible for people using mobility devices, strollers, and bicycles.

The construction area is located near several local businesses, including the Montavilla Sewing Centers, which remains open throughout the project. PBOT has advised the public: “People should use caution in the work area.” They added that “customers are advised to exercise caution when entering the parking lot adjacent to the worksite.”

Local residents have long called for better pedestrian safety in this area, which serves as a busy connector between SE 82nd Avenue, a major commercial corridor, and residential neighborhoods to the east. The upcoming enhancements are also expected to support increased foot and bike traffic as part of the city’s commitment to sustainable and equitable transportation infrastructure.

PBOT is encouraging drivers and pedestrians to obey signage and use alternative routes where possible. Future phases of the corridor improvement may include repaving, dedicated bike lanes, and pedestrian crossing signals.

Originally reported by Jacob Loeb in Montavilla News.