Originally named B Street, Burnside has played an important role in Portland’s transportation network since 1912, when it was established as the city’s east-west axis.

A designated High Crash Corridor, PBOT evaluated existing conditions on E/W Burnside in 2012/2013 finding in an alarming rate of crashes involving pedestrians. The incidence of pedestrian crashes on Burnside is about three times higher than citywide; 76% of these pedestrian crashes are west of the Burnside Bridge.

As a component of PBOT’s Vision Zero effort, the Bureau is in the process of improving safety on West Burnside Street with an array of safety projects, including:

1. W Burnside Sidewalk Infill from NW 24th Place to NW Uptown Terrace
   This project will install new sidewalk and an accompanying retaining wall on the north side of W Burnside from NW 24th to Uptown Terrace. ADA ramps at W Burnside and 24th will also be improved. This project is now complete.
   
   
   
   
2. W Burnside and 20th Place Crossing Improvement
   This project will install a new traffic signal at the existing marked crosswalk at 20th Place, improving pedestrian safety. The project will close the 25ft section of 20th Place between Burnside and Morrison, creating a larger plaza and combined TriMet stop. 
   
   
3. W Burnside Multimodal Project at 18th/19th Avenue
   This project will implement the Preferred Alternative Design developed in the West Burnside Multimodal Study, improving pedestrian and bicycle access across W Burnside at 18th & 19th, as well as access to TriMet. New crosswalks, bike lanes, and vehicle turn lanes will be installed on NW 18th & 19th. This project is currently in construction and is scheduled to wrap up in September, 2019.
   
    
   
   
4. I-405 Crossing Improvements on W Burnside and NW Couch
   Pedestrian crossings improvements across I-405 on W Burnside and NW Couch are funded via the Downtown I-405 Pedestrian Safety and Operational Improvements project. The projects involve new marked crossings, curb extensions, and traffic signal upgrades.  The project was conceived during the 2012 Pearl District Access and Circulation Plan. Construction is anticipated in 2019. For more info including an updated map showing the latest project design reflecting public input, see the project webpage.
   
   

For more information, contact:

Gabe Graff, Project Manager
email: Gabriel.Graff@portlandoregon.gov
phone: 503-823-5291

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See also East Burnside Street safety improvements.