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News Media contact:
Hannah Schafer
(971) 235-8472
hannah.schafer@portlandoregon.gov
@pbotinfo
News Release:
Construction begins on Portland’s newest bridge
Flanders Crossing, a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over I-405, will provide a long-awaited connection between Northwest Portland and the Central City
 A rendering of the future Flanders Crossing over I-405. Illustration by PBOT.
(June 25, 2020) Construction begins this month on Flanders Crossing, a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over I‐405 at NW Flanders Street in Portland. Crews contracted by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) will begin initial work next week, with major construction starting in July.
When complete, Flanders Crossing will be 24-feet wide and stretch 200 feet across I-405, with two-way access for pedestrians and people on bikes. The bridge will serve as a seismic lifeline route in the case of a major earthquake. The project will also include new traffic signals at NW 14th and 16th avenues, and a four-way stop sign at NW 15th Avenue in order to provide access to the bridge from both sides.
NW Flanders Street has long been planned to be to a Neighborhood Greenway route, providing a low-stress, east-west bicycling and walking connection across Northwest Portland, the Pearl District, Old Town and into downtown Portland, with connections to the Steel Bridge and Waterfront Park. Until now it has been difficult for people to walk or bike the short distance to the Central City from Northwest Portland due to the lack of a safe and comfortable crossing of I-405. Pedestrians and people biking must currently use either NW Everett or Glisan streets, both of which lack sidewalks on one side and require negotiating on- and off-ramps for vehicles entering and exiting I-405.
The project has been enthusiastically endorsed by the Northwest District Association, Pearl District Neighborhood Association, Old Town Chinatown Community Association, the Nob Hill Business Association, and many others.
The $9.5 million Flanders Crossing Bridge is funded by ConnectOregon grant funds and Transportation System Development Charges. The project will employ approximately 100 people including subcontractors from over seven minority-owned businesses.
When construction begins there will be some minor impacts to traffic and short-term parking. There will also be removal of some trees at the east end of the bridge site at NW Flanders Street and 15th Avenue as well as a nighttime closure of the NW Everett Street on-ramp to I-405.
For more information, visit the project website at https://www.portland.gov/transportation/policy-and-planning/construction/flanders-crossing-bike-and-pedestrian-bridge
Learn more about PBOT's plan to improve walking, biking, and public transit in the Northwest District and surrounding area by reading the recently released Northwest in Motion Recommended Plan at www.northwestinmotion.com. Portland City Council will consider a resolution adopting Northwest in Motion at a public hearing at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 23.
Special note regarding Covid-19 and construction work
PBOT has been in modified operations since March 17 and has implemented specific measures to ensure the safety of our crews and contractors. This includes modified shifts, social distancing, and other precautions based on current guidelines from local, state, and federal health officials. Thank you for giving our crews and contractors the space and time they need to keep our city moving.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the city’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage, and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. Visit portland.gov/transportation
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