Portland Installed Concrete Bike Barriers
The city added protected infrastructure to North Willamette Boulevard to improve safety for residents.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Home Renovation
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The Portland Bureau of Transportation has installed 5,000 feet of concrete traffic barriers along three miles of North Willamette Boulevard. The project aims to curb excessive vehicle speeds and protect pedestrians and cyclists between the St. Johns and Arbor Lodge neighborhoods.
Why it matters
The initiative addresses significant safety concerns following 73 vehicle crashes that resulted in 69 injuries between 2020 and 2024. By physically separating traffic, the city hopes to bring actual vehicle speeds closer to the 25 mph limit.
The project includes 14 new marked crosswalks, 42 ADA ramps, and 15 new street lights across a five-mile protected route. Barriers were installed to address a history of collisions where documented speeds frequently reached 37-38 mph.
The players
Portland Bureau of Transportation
The city agency responsible for managing the local transportation network and infrastructure projects in Portland.
Maira Blum
A local bicyclist who was struck by a vehicle while riding on North Willamette Boulevard in June 2026.
The details
The project uses concrete separators with gaps to ensure driveway access and street pullouts while maintaining safety. Officials are also currently installing speed bumps and finishing roadway striping to finalize the new corridor.
Timeline
2015-2019: Nine pedestrians were involved in crashes on the boulevard.
November 2018: A drunk driver killed a pedestrian on the sidewalk.
2020-2024: 73 vehicle crashes occurred on North Willamette.
June 2026: Maira Blum was hit by a car while bicycling.
October 2026: Expected completion of most construction.
Roadmap
This project reflects a growing urban planning shift toward using physical barriers to calm traffic and reduce reliance on enforcement alone. It positions Portland alongside other major cities attempting to curb rising injury rates through permanent infrastructure redesigns.
Drivers using North Willamette Boulevard should anticipate changed lane configurations and adjusted driving speeds due to the new concrete barriers. Local residents and cyclists will gain protected access and improved visibility at crossings, but must navigate new speed bumps as the project concludes.
The takeaway
Urban streets can be redesigned to physically enforce lower speeds when traditional traffic laws fail to deter dangerous driving. Residents should exercise caution as new traffic patterns and barrier placements become the standard for the North Willamette corridor.
Further reading
For more information on infrastructure improvements, visit Home Renovation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.
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Do you support the installation of concrete barriers to create protected bike lanes in your area?
