CASE STUDY NATIONAL
SE Division Street in Portland, Oregon acts as a through street with various land uses lining it. Over time, the street became a destination point for people to visit with an increase in neighborhood retail shops and more use from pedestrians and bicyclists. Despite having a posted speed limit of 25 mph, drivers were exceeding it, driving anywhere from 26-31 mph. Travel lanes replaced curbside parking during rush hour and were underutilized. Through an in-depth multi-year design and outreach process, the City of Portland worked with multiple teams on a plan for improving the corridor and planning for growth over the next 20 years. The street was redesigned with better travel lanes, curb extensions, marked crossing, improved bus stops, on-street bike parking, bioretention planters, and large trees. By eliminating lanes, space was able to be reclaimed for other uses such as sidewalk improvements with added ramps to make sure the walkways were ADA compliant. Trees were used for shade and beautification, and stormwater management played a large role for development. By incorporating stormwater facilities with the curb extensions, it helped manage excess stormwater runoff from the street and keep pedestrians safe by reducing crossing distance and enhancing pedestrian visibility for the drivers.
Top image: Photo by Carl Sundstrom, obtained from pedbikeimages.org. Source Bottom image: Photo from Living Streets (pages 5-7). Credit Michele Weisbart. Source
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