We have exciting news: PBOT will open the SW Bond Avenue Extension to people walking, biking, scooting and using mobility devices on Thursday, November 14, at 10:30am!
Most features of the SW Bond Avenue Extension have been complete since August; however for the safety of the traveling public, we did not want to open the street until the street lights were operational. The electrical subcontractor has completed installation of all street lights, signals and associated wiring. Steel signal and light poles had been on backorder from a Nebraska manufacturer that experienced severe flooding earlier this year. In addition, it was necessary to connect the lighting circuits to an alternate source of power since the SW Meade Street Extension is not complete.
The week of November 4, PGE will energize the circuits and allow for testing of the street lights. Also that week and into the week of November 11 (Veterans Day), a landscaping subcontractor will install a basalt retaining wall adjacent to the knoll at the north end of the project. Meanwhile PBOT crews will install a city-owned traffic barricade at the north end of the project, allowing the traffic control subcontractor to demobilize. This barricade will be in place to prevent private motor vehicles from using SW Bond Avenue until OHSU completes the SW Meade Street connection in summer 2020. PBOT also will install parking meters later this fall.
When the SW Bond Avenue Extension is open to the public in two weeks, northbound bikes and scooters are encouraged to use the green bike lane, while southbound bikes and scooters should use the main roadway. The sidewalks on either side of the street should be left clear for people walking, running and using wheelchairs. No private vehicles will be allowed on Bond Avenue until the middle of next year - but keep an eye out for the occasional construction vehicle.
A ribboncutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 14 at 10:00am with official remarks from PBOT, Commissioner Eudaly, Prosper Portland, OHSU and Business Oregon. Members of the public are welcome to witness this occasion, which will be held at the south end of the project near Tilikum Crossing.
Stay tuned for a press release about the event from PBOT Communications, typically sent shortly after the event has concluded. This E-Bulletin is your advance notice!
Feel free to contact the Project Manager with any questions, though he will be on vacation November 8-13: steve.szigethy@portlandoregon.gov
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