PBOT Installed Concrete Bike Barriers on Willamette Blvd
The three-mile project aims to lower vehicle speeds and improve safety between St. Johns and Arbor Lodge.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Home Renovation
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Residents in St. Johns and Arbor Lodge have new concrete bike barriers along three miles of North Willamette Boulevard. The Portland Bureau of Transportation project aims to improve safety following a series of vehicle crashes.
Why it matters
The project addresses a history of speeding and crashes on a corridor where documented vehicle speeds frequently reached 37-38 mph despite a 25 mph limit. Neighbors remain divided on how these changes impact street navigability and overall safety.
The project adds 5,000 feet of concrete barriers and 14 new crosswalks to a corridor where 73 crashes occurred between 2020 and 2024. Whether these additions significantly shift average speeds from the previous 37-38 mph remains to be seen.
The players
Portland Bureau of Transportation
The city agency responsible for road maintenance, safety, and transportation infrastructure.
Maira Blum
A cyclist who was hit by a car on the street in June 2026.
The details
PBOT installed the concrete separators with gaps to maintain access for driveways and street pullouts. In addition to the barriers, the project includes 42 new ADA ramps and 15 street lights to support safer walking. The effort connects into a five-mile protected route extending to Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
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.
Beyond the Bridges
This project aligns with the city's Vision Zero initiative, which prioritizes physical infrastructure to prevent traffic fatalities. It mirrors other recent corridor safety efforts that prioritize protected lanes over simple signage.
Drivers on North Willamette should expect new lane configurations and speed bumps that enforce the 25 mph limit. Cyclists and pedestrians can now utilize the completed 5,000 feet of barriers for a more protected commute.
The takeaway
Watch for final roadway striping and speed bump installation through October 2026. Residents should note that the barriers are designed with gaps to allow for necessary driveway access.
Further reading
Learn more about local infrastructure improvements on our Home Renovation page.
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?
