N Willamette Boulevard Redesign: What Is Changing?
N Willamette Boulevard’s redesign combines speed cushions, three additional miles of protected bikeway toward a continuous five-mile connection, and ADA-accessible bus platforms with bicycles routed behind them.
As of September 17, 2026, PBOT had announced upcoming speed-cushion installation and projected weather-dependent completion in October 2026. The project scope below describes planned improvements, not confirmation that all work was complete.
What is changing on N Willamette Boulevard?
PBOT’s project documentation describes these elements:
| Treatment | Stated location or scope |
|---|---|
| Fire-friendly speed cushions | Between Richmond and Rosa Parks |
| Protected bikeway addition | Three additional miles toward a continuous five-mile connection |
| ADA-accessible bus platforms | Ida, Wabash, Chautauqua and Woolsey, with bicycles routed behind the platforms |
Speed cushions and the posted speed limit
PBOT plans “fire-friendly” speed cushions between Richmond and Rosa Parks. Its project documentation also describes a separate reduction in the posted speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph before project delivery.
The posted-limit change does not establish a five-mph reduction in actual driving speeds. PBOT’s “fire-friendly” label does not establish a measured emergency-response benefit.
Three added bikeway miles toward a five-mile connection
PBOT’s project scope calls for three additional miles of protected bikeway as part of a continuous five-mile connection. Five miles describes the intended connection, not five entirely new miles of bikeway.
For broader context on how street design affects right-hook conflicts, see our separate guide.
Bicycles are routed behind accessible bus platforms
At Ida, Wabash, Chautauqua and Woolsey, PBOT’s design places the bicycle route behind ADA-accessible bus platforms. That layout is not evidence that the stops will be conflict-free. Follow the controls and directions in place when using the corridor.
Construction and access: September 17 advisory
In its September 17, 2026 traffic advisory, PBOT announced:
- Work weeks: Speed-cushion installation closures during the weeks of September 21 and September 28, in five approximately half-mile sections.
- Vehicle detour: N Lombard, with local access following flaggers’ directions.
- Walking and biking: Sidewalks and bike lanes were planned to remain open.
- Projected completion: October 2026, dependent on weather.
Access and schedules can change. Consult PBOT’s advisory before traveling and follow on-site directions.
Have safety results been measured?
The PBOT sources cited here do not establish a measured post-construction reduction in crashes. A project plan and installation schedule do not show how the completed redesign performs.
If your concern involves an injury rather than construction information, Johnson Law’s page on bicycle injury claims provides separate service context. This project announcement alone does not establish a claim.
This article provides educational information only, not legal advice.
Sources
- PBOT, September 17, 2026 traffic advisory: installation schedule, access plans, detour and projected completion.
- PBOT, N Willamette Boulevard Active Transportation Corridor: project scope, speed cushions, posted-limit change, bikeway connection and platform routing.
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