Background
Purpose
The Portland Bureau of Transportation in partnership with the Bureau of Environmental Services is developing this project to improve pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, and stormwater management along SW Multnomah Blvd. between Barbur Blvd. and Multnomah Village.
Phasing
Because the overall cost of improving the entire project area at once greatly exceeds the funding currently available, construction of the project needs to be broken out into at least two or probably more construction phases.
Phase One:
SW 22nd Ave to SW 31st Ave. Sidewalks, stormwater management and improved bicycle facilities on the north side of Multnomah Blvd, and improved bicycle facilities and stormwater management on the south side (no sidewalks).
Why is this area in the first phase?
Two reasons: First, the eastern section represents the ‘low hanging fruit’ of the entire project area- there are many fewer constraints in terms of geography and available right-of-way for construction compared to the rest of the project area, particularly on the north side.
Second, this project can take advantage of construction activity related to the Burlingame Sewer Rehab Project, which will reduces costs.
Phase Two:
All other improvements, as future funding allows.
Funding
Construction of the project’s first phase takes advantage of two new funding sources for transportation improvement projects:
• BES/ PBOT Bike/Stormwater fund
• State House Bill 2001 transportation funds
It is anticipated that approximately $4 million is available for the first phase of the Multnomah Blvd Project.