Project scope – preliminary, will be refined

• Repair/replace pavement and remove rail throughout project area (Lombard: ~170' east of N Saint Louis to N Richmond Ave)
• Build curb and bus stop extensions where feasible, marked crosswalks throughout
• Explore all-way stop at Philadelphia intersection – traffic engineers are analyzing traffic data and impacts
• Remove pedestrian signal at John, replace with rapid flashing beacons at Charleston
• Explore enhanced shared roadway pavement markings and/or signage to indicate that people riding bikes are welcome on the street

 Click image for larger version

 

What's happening now?

[Website last updated 3/25/2020]

Engineering team working on 60% design plans (three-dimensional layout of project area). This will take the project from a concept level to a horizontal and vertical layout showing actual dimensions of curb extensions, bus stop extensions, traffic signal modifications, stormwater planters, etc.

 

Get Involved

Contact us with questions and feedback: Project Manager: David Backes | David.Backes@portlandoregon.gov | 503.823.5811

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Past meetings and events

May 23, 2019, Design Concept Open House

February 20, 2019: St. Johns Business Boosters presentation and discussion

January 14, 2019: St. Johns Neighborhood Association meeting -- project overview and early design concept

January 15, 2019: James John PTA meeting -- project overview and early design concept; discussion with PTA about students' walking routes

 

Project background and overview

Lombard with visible streetcar tracks, photo taken in 1938

In 1903, a new streetcar line opened in St. Johns that traveled along Lombard. These rail lines are still buried under the road, which is causing some of the pavement failures seen on the street. In addition, paving over the rail lines throughout the years has caused the profile of Lombard to be unusually sloped – so much so that it is difficult to add curb ramps that meet ADA standards.

To truly make N Lombard through St. Johns comfortable, accessible, safe, and hardy, these rail lines need to be removed and the driving surface needs to be reconstructed.

Portland’s recently adopted Build Portland infrastructure investment program made this project possible, with $3 million in funding to reconstruct the roadway. PBOT added another $1 million in funding to further enhance the project by adding the curb extensions, crossings, and upgraded bus stops.

 

Project goals and how they’re being addressed

1. Create an accessible environment for people walking and using mobility devices

• Adding curb ramps and marked crossings at every intersection between St. Louis and Richmond to improve safety and accessibility, and make it easier for transit riders to access bus stops

2. Create a welcoming multi-modal environment – help people get to Lombard Main Street easily, reliably, efficiently, and with minimal negative impacts

• Maintain adequate bike and car parking for people shopping, working, dining, visiting St. Johns
• Bus stop extensions to allow buses to stop in-lane, reducing delays for riders of Lines 4, 16, 44, and 75, while also minimizing parking impacts
• Explore enhanced shared environment road markings to show that people riding bikes are welcome on the street
• Analyze cut-through driving behavior that is detrimental to safety and comfort on Lombard

3. Help reduce Portland’s infrastructure funding gap

• Rebuilding Lombard now will save the city in the long-term maintenance costs of continually fixing a failing asset

 

Schedule (tentative)

Project development: fall 2018 to spring 2019

Design: spring 2019 to fall 2020

Break ground target: spring 2021

 

Budget

$3 million for pavement reconstruction (from Build Portland)

$1 million for safe crossings, curb extensions, bus stops