Construction along SE and NE 82nd Avenue continues this spring, bringing both improvements and disruptions to one of Portland’s busiest corridors. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians should prepare for lane closures and delays over the next two weeks, March 30 through April 10, as crews with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) work on signal upgrades, concrete restoration, sidewalk improvements, and the installation of fresh pedestrian ramps. The ongoing work is part of a larger effort to improve safety and accessibility on 82nd Avenue, a street long recognized for its high crash rates and challenging conditions for those traveling outside of vehicles.
The current phase of construction focuses on several key intersections. According to PBOT, one lane will remain open in each direction throughout the work, but significant delays are expected, particularly during peak commute hours. Flaggers and detour signage will be in place to guide traffic, and drivers are urged to exercise caution in work zones. The project aims to address longstanding safety concerns on 82nd Avenue, which sees a disproportionately high number of traffic incidents compared to similar roadways in the city.
Specific areas experiencing work include NE Fremont and Tillamook streets, where crews are activating new traffic signals. This will require temporary shutdowns of existing signals and intermittent flagging. Concrete restoration is planned for SE Woodward, impacting both 82nd Avenue and access to the Fubonn Shopping Center, though access via SE 85th Avenue will remain available. Further south, work between SE Tibbetts and Brooklyn will focus on sidewalk improvements and signal installation. Similar work is scheduled for SE Lafayette, Liebe, Raymond Street, Raymond Court, Insley, Foster, Ramona, and Tolman, each with specific impacts to traffic flow and pedestrian access.
Perhaps the most significant disruption will be the full closure of SE Raymond Street west of 82nd Avenue to vehicle traffic, Monday through Friday, 24 hours a day. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to cross 82nd Avenue at the existing crosswalk, while drivers are advised to use SE Mitchell Street as an alternate route. This closure is necessary for corner ramp and underground utility work, according to PBOT’s project updates. You can find a comprehensive list of current and upcoming construction impacts on the city’s 82nd Avenue project news page: https://www.portland.gov/transportation/planning/82nd-avenue/news.
Looking Ahead: The Second Phase of Improvements
While the current work focuses on immediate safety upgrades, a more comprehensive second phase of improvements is already in the planning stages, slated to begin in 2027. This next phase will include repaving the entire roadway, adding more medians to further enhance safety, expanding sidewalk infrastructure, planting additional street trees, and improving transit access. The long-term vision is to transform 82nd Avenue into a safer, more accessible, and more vibrant corridor for all users.
Preliminary designs for the second phase are now available for public review. The plans, developed in coordination with TriMet, outline a series of improvements aimed at addressing the street’s persistent safety challenges and improving the overall experience for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. Those interested in viewing the draft design concept can do so here: https://trimet.org/82nd/design.htm?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#design.
Community feedback is actively being sought on the draft design. Comments can be submitted via email to [email protected] or by calling 503-962-2150. Public input will be considered as the design is finalized and prepared for implementation.
Upcoming Community Events
Residents have several opportunities to learn more about the 82nd Avenue projects and provide input. The 82nd Avenue Transit Project Community Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 22, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at PCC SE Community Hall Annex (2305 SE 82nd Ave., Portland). This meeting will provide an update on the transit project and an opportunity for community members to ask questions and share their thoughts. More information about the committee and its meetings can be found here: https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Ftrimet.org%2F82nd%2Fcac.htm%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%23meeting/1/0101019ce9146f2e-b953b56e-43cc-457f-919b-033e38f7064f-000000/HuIK6Xo6MgHzqlzPJSP1-Gq-6ixDjxMMMuzqLnK1psI=448.
On Saturday, April 25, the 82nd Avenue Parade of Roses will take place, beginning at Eastport Plaza (4040 SE 82nd Ave, Portland). This annual event celebrates the community and provides a festive atmosphere along the corridor. Details about the parade can be found at https://82rosescec.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
Related Efforts: Transit and Community Collaboration
The ongoing construction and future improvements are being coordinated with the 82nd Avenue Transit Project, which aims to bring high-capacity FX–Frequent Express bus service to the corridor, connecting Clackamas Town Center and the Cully neighborhood. More information about the transit project is available at: https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Ftrimet.org%2F82nd%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000194beb4bd77-8d72c6df-db8b-4706-b8ad-5aeb89f3c7ec-000000/vx7iMmNXAo1mozztrXchF-zQU_tdEtremUQU2AsdslE=390.
Throughout the process, PBOT is working closely with the 82nd Avenue Community Coalition, a group convened by Oregon Walks, Verde, APANO, and Unite Oregon. This coalition represents the voices of residents, businesses, and organizations along 82nd Avenue, ensuring that the improvements reflect the needs of the community. Individuals interested in learning more about the coalition or joining its efforts can visit: https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foregonwalks.org%2F82nd-ave-coalition%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000194beb4bd77-8d72c6df-db8b-4706-b8ad-5aeb89f3c7ec-000000/9p0SwxNCMRIoWp_L5Ea90AuQG_wxv2DJukXZL_WZnK8=390.
The next major milestone for the 82nd Avenue project is the completion of the draft design for the second phase of improvements, with a public comment period closing in the coming weeks. PBOT and TriMet will then review the feedback and finalize the design, paving the way for construction to begin in 2027. We encourage readers to stay informed and engaged in this vital project that will shape the future of this important Portland corridor.
Have thoughts on the 82nd Avenue improvements? Share your comments below, and let us know how these changes are impacting your commute and community.
