Starting Thursday, some Portland streets closed to through-traffic

PORTLAND, Ore. — The city of Portland has launched the first phase of its Slow Streets Safe Streets initiative, a plan that intends to limit through-traffic on some city streets.

Officials believe that only allowing local traffic on some streets will allow more room for physical distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Portland Bureau of Transportation crews put out the first traffic barrels and signs in the road at Northwest 22nd Avenue and Northwest Flanders Street Thursday morning. Crews will continue to place barriers at 100 locations throughout Portland through Friday, May 8.

The first phase of the initiative focuses on Neighborhood Greenways. These are spaces that already prioritize pedestrians and cyclists. PBOT spokesman John Brady says the city chose the first 100 locations for specific reasons. They’re areas of the Greenway where there’s higher traffic, where there’s multifamily housing where people need more space, and where it’s farther from a park.

Brady says there’s evidence that people are using the Greenway network and other neighborhood streets to get exercise and fresh air while abiding by the state’s stay home order during the coronavirus pandemic.

Brady says this initiative will make it even easier and safer for people to physically distance as they walk and bike through those neighborhoods.

“We really want to make sure that when people are driving, that they go slow, that they make sure that they’re looking out for people who may be out biking, walking, rolling,” he says.

Brady insists the city is not closing streets. It’s blocking them to thru traffic.

“If people need to get to a business, need to get to their homes, or if they have business on that street, then that’s fine, then they treat the street like any other street,” he says.

Brady says this initial phase is being paid for by “existing operating funds.” He estimates it will cost less than $100,000.

The next phases of the Slow Streets Safe Streets initiative will support the city’s reopening process. PBOT will focus on busier streets and business districts.

“We’re looking at things like creating zones where people can line up for takeout. We’re looking at popup sidewalks, popup bicycle lanes to give people more space,” Brady says.

The timing of those phases is up in the air and will be guided by Gov. Kate Brown’s orders. Brady says he imagines the barriers will be here until the foreseeable future. He says it all depends on what happens with the coronavirus.

PBOT is holding a series of meetings with community, business, and neighborhood groups to collect input on how streets can best be used to serve citizens during the pandemic. Anyone that has suggestions on where street improvements could support safe physical distancing is asked to contact PBOT by phone at 503-823-SAFE or by email at active.transportation@portlandoregon.gov.