Outer Powell Transportation Safety Project Construction to Begin Spring 2025
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is making safety improvements to help people get around busy Outer SE Powell Boulevard more safely. The Outer Powell Transportation Safety Project area is located on U.S. 26 (SE Powell Boulevard) between Interstate 205 and the Portland/Gresham city limits, just east of SE 174th Avenue. Planned safety improvements will reduce both the frequency and severity of crashes and help vehicles, pedestrians, transit, transit users and bicyclists share the road with fewer conflicts.
Where are we now?
Pre-construction work for Phase 2 of the project has been underway along the project corridor since 2023. Utility pole relocations, tree trimming and tree removal are needed to make room for upcoming road improvements. Early utility relocation work ensures services such as power and communications are in place prior to roadway construction starting in 2025.
Construction of Phase 2, from I-205 to SE 122nd Avenue and from SE 136th Avenue to just east of SE 174th Avenue, will begin in spring 2025 and is anticipated to last five years. We designed safety improvements for Phase 2 of the corridor to be consistent with the completed section in Phase 1.
Construction of Phase 1 began along SE Powell Boulevard from SE 122nd Avenue to SE 136th Avenue in early 2019 and was completed in Fall 2020.
Roadway, bike and pedestrian safety improvements include:
- Sidewalks where there are none now.
- Mix of separated and sidewalk level bike lanes.
- Center turn lane for cars, buses and trucks for safer turns and to reduce back-ups.
- Transit stop improvements.
- Storm drains to prevent water from pooling on the road.
- Lighting for improved visibility.
- New waterline.
- New traffic signals.
- Mid-block flashing light pedestrian crossing beacons (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons) to alert drivers that people are crossing the street.
- Sound walls at select locations.
- New pavement along the corridor.
Before construction of these improvements can begin,
pre-construction activities must occur in some areas.
Learn more about pre-construction activities. 
Pictured above: map of the project area and timelines on SE Powell Boulevard between I-205 and Portland/Gresham city limits, just east of SE 174th Avenue.Project Timeline
Construction began on SE Powell Boulevard from SE 122nd Avenue to SE 136th Avenue in early 2019 and was completed in fall 2020. ODOT designed safety improvements for the remainder of the corridor to be consistent with the completed section.
Roadway and sidewalk conditions on SE Powell Boulevard prior to construction of Phase One.
Roadway and sidewalk improvements on SE Powell Boulevard for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers after construction of Phase One.
Pre-construction activities are underway and expected to continue to 2025. This work includes utility pole relocation, tree
trimming and tree removal, selective building demolition and sign removal to make room for roadway improvements. Schedule is subject to change based on weather and site conditions. Learn more about pre-construction activities.
Road construction is expected to begin in spring of 2025 and will last five years. The project schedule is subject to change.
The Design Phase included voting on four potential sound wall locations for eligible property owners and residents. Voting has concluded for the four potential sound wall locations.
Eligible property owners and residents supported all four sound wall locations that are now included in the project. View a map of the future sound wall locations here.
Learn more about sound walls and the voting process.
Project Phases
Phase 1 – Construction Complete
Construction was completed fall 2020 on Outer Powell from SE 122nd to SE 136th avenues.
Phase 2 – Pre-Construction
Pre-construction activities are underway for improvements to the remainder of the corridor, from I-205 to SE 122nd Avenue and from SE 136th Avenue to just east of SE 174th Avenue (the Portland/Gresham city limits).
Project Background
The Outer Powell Transportation Project was developed with a history of community collaboration and support. Since 2014, ODOT has been conducting planning, environmental and design work for the four-mile stretch of SE Powell Boulevard from I-205 to the Portland/Gresham city limits just east of SE 174th Avenue. In fall 2015, the Oregon Legislature funded the design and construction of the section along Powell Boulevard between SE 122nd and SE 136th Avenues, which was completed in fall 2020.
Through Keep Oregon Moving (HB 2017), the Oregon Legislature appropriated funds to complete design, right-of-way acquisition and construction on the remaining sections of the Outer Powell Transportation Safety Project. With this funding, ODOT designed improvements to these other sections of Outer Powell to be consistent with the completed section. Road construction of these designed safety improvements is anticipated to begin in spring of 2025 and will last five years.
Future Jurisdictional Transfer
Currently, ODOT owns and maintains SE Powell Boulevard from SE 99th Avenue to just east of SE 174th Avenue. As prescribed in Keep Oregon Moving (HB 2017), ownership and operation of this road will be transferred to the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). The transfer is expected after construction is complete.
Project Library