Adam RollinsThis story was originally published in the Government Contracting Pipeline newsletter from Strategic Partnerships, Inc. To have the latest government contracting news stories from across the country delivered straight to your inbox, click here to subscribe.
TriMet, the public transit agency servicing Portland, Oregon, is developing a $320 million project to provide safe, accessible transportation along a key city corridor. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.
The 82nd Avenue Transit Project, once completed, will establish a reliable bus system that will improve travel time, mobility and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Currently, 82nd Avenue struggles with major issues that restrict transit availability, speed, safety and capacity.
Because it’s one of the most important transit corridors in the region, there are high traffic volumes that conflict with bus travel due to insufficient dedicated lanes. The area is in a high-crash network, lacks sufficient pedestrian amenities and facilities and serves predominantly transit-dependent communities.
The most prominent aspect of the project will be its upgrade from current transportation options to the high-capacity FX-Frequent Express bus line. The buses will run every 12 minutes throughout the entire day, using bus lanes at key locations to keep transit moving around congestion. These vehicles will also benefit from next-generation signals that prioritize bus travel, reducing overall travel times.
As part of the line’s upgrade, TriMet will build accompanying bus stations, featuring shelters, lighting, and real-time digital information displays. The project will be implemented alongside the ongoing Building a Better 82nd initiative, covering critical features including pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, lighting, curb ramps, new traffic signals, additional trees and roadway upgrades.
Photo courtesy Mattsjc, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
