 Last week, Portland City Council unanimously voted to adopt PedPDX as the citywide pedestrian plan. Among the recommendations in PedPDX, there is an action to update the pedestrian classifications and descriptions in the 2035 Transportation System Plan. We are writing to let you know that we will be moving forward with the legislative process to amend the TSP later this year.
In addition to updating the pedestrian classifications and descriptions, we will be considering recommendations from other plans that have been adopted by City Council since the adoption of the TSP. We will also correct for errata and clarify existing language in the TSP.
This update will be technical in nature and will not propose changes to most of the existing policies, classifications, and projects in the TSP.
A project website has been set up at: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/733218
 Project Timeline
- August 2019: Discussion Draft for public comment
- Sept. 2019: Proposed draft for Planning and Sustainability Commission and public comment
- Fall 2019: Planning and Sustainability Commission briefing and public hearing
- Late 2019: City Council Hearing
What is the TSP?
The Transportation System Plan is the 20-year plan to guide transportation policies and investments in Portland by:
- supporting the City’s commitment to Vision Zero by saving lives and reducing injuries to all people using our transportation system
- limiting traffic congestion so transit and freight vehicles can move more reliably
- reducing, carbon emissions and promoting healthy lifestyles
- keeping more money in the local economy, as we spend less on vehicles and fuel
- creating great places
Why is it important?
Portland is projected to add 140,000 new jobs and 260,000 new residents over the next 20 years. As Portland and the region grow, there is a continuing challenge to maintain the natural environment, economic prosperity, and overall quality of life. If in 2035 the percentage of people who drive alone to work remains the same as it is now (nearly 60 percent), traffic, carbon emissions, and household spending on vehicles and fuel will all worsen significantly. In order to accommodate this growth, our transportation system must provide Portlanders safer and more convenient ways to walk, bike, and take transit for more trips.
Transportation planning that promotes active transportation modes is essential to preserving the City’s livability and for the protection of the natural environment. Constructing significant amounts of new automobile capacity to accommodate growth is not a viable option because of the enormous costs and impacts. Adding more streets and parking lots divides neighborhoods, uses valuable land, encourages urban sprawl, and has negative environmental impacts. Alternative approaches, supporting a safer, more affordable and more complete multimodal transportation network must be used to ensure integrated, comprehensive solutions.
The Transportation System Plan helps implement the City’s 2035 Comprehensive Plan in addition to the region’s 2040 Growth Concept by supporting a transportation system that makes it more convenient for people to walk, bicycle, use transit, and drive less to meet their daily needs. The TSP also recognizes that the transportation system must help grow and sustain the City’s economic health by accommodating the needs of businesses and supporting Portland’s role in the international economy.
What is in the TSP?
The 2035 TSP includes:
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Goals and policies that guide the maintenance, development and implementation of Portland’s transportation system
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Objectives that further the implementation of the goals and policies
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A list of projects and Citywide programs along with a financial plan that would accommodate 20 years of population and employment growth
- Master street plans and modal plans
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Strategies and regulations for implementation, including street classifications
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