As some of you may or may not know, streetcar work will have the Broadway Bridge closed until September starting on Tuesday July 6th. Bicycle and pedestrian access was suppose to still be available on one of the sidewalks during the closure to vehicles, but now that plan has changed.
PBOT spokesperson Dan Anderson has confirmed that the bridge will be completely closed to biking and walking traffic for a yet-to-be determined length of time.
The Northwest Lovejoy Street ramp will also be closed to traffic. Access to Union Station from Southwest Broadway will be maintained during the construction, however.
Portland transportation officials say the public should expect traffic delays on the streets around the bridge. Westbound motorized traffic will be detoured to the Burnside and Steel bridges, while eastbound traffic will be detoured toward Interstate 405 and the Fremont Bridge.
The closure is necessary for installation of streetcar tracks on the bridge. The work is part of the Portland Streetcar extension that expands service from the Pearl District through parts of of the east side to OMSI. The project is a top priority of Mayor Sam Adams.
A new bridge over the Willamette River will eventually carry light-rail and streetcar service between OMSI and the South Waterfront, creating a loop around the central city.
