Design work on the Southwest Corridor Light Rail Project was paused in 2020 after voters rejected a local funding measure for multiple transportation improvements. In early 2022, Metro, TriMet and the Federal Transit Administration completed the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and issued a Record of Decision (ROD) to ensure the project is eligible for future federal funding. See Metro’s project website to access to these documents.

Overall Project Improvements:
Bike and Walk Improvements

The project will add over six miles to the region’s system of bike facilities. Raised protected bike lanes are included between Barbur Transit Center and Naito Parkway. These lanes separate bicyclists from automobiles by a curb-protected furnishing zone. Other parts of Barbur Boulevard will consist of buffered bike lanes, which are striped cyclist-only lanes that create separation between cyclists and automobiles at street level.

Along Barbur, the project includes safer intersections that protect pedestrians and bicyclists from traffic. A full protected intersection (Type 1) provides separation and protection for bicyclists and pedestrians moving in every direction. Other types (Type 2 and Type 3) will be applied along the corridor as appropriate to address narrower roadways.

Pedestrian Improvements
Bike Facilities

Pedestrian Improvements

A major benefit of the Southwest Corridor Light Rail project is the increased pedestrian permeability across Barbur Boulevard, making the crossings locations throughout the corridor as safe and comfortable as possible, while maintaining light rail operations and vehicular traffic. With guidance from PedPDX, Portland’s citywide pedestrian plan, the project increases the overall permeability of Barbur Boulevard through additional marked crossings. The design of crossing frequencies strives to meet a 530’ desired spacing within designated pedestrian districts and an 800’ desired spacing outside of pedestrian districts. More details on pedestrian crossings can be viewed in each of the station pages.

Pedestrian crossings

Bike Facilities

The project includes significant improvements to the bike facilities along Barbur Boulevard, allowing cyclists of all ages and abilities to safely and comfortably access destinations along the corridor. For four miles from Barbur Transit Center to Naito Parkway, this bikeway will consist of raised protected bike lanes. These lanes separate people on bikes from automobiles by a curb-protected furnishing zone. North of Naito Parkway, the street will include buffered bike lanes, which are striped cyclist-only lanes that create separation between cyclists and automobiles at street level.

The project also adds safer intersections that protect pedestrians and bicyclists from traffic through the intersection. A full protected intersection (Type 1) provides separation and protection for bicyclists and pedestrians moving in every direction. This design also requires space that will not be available at every intersection. Other types (Type 2 and Type 3) will be applied along the corridor as appropriate to address narrower roadways.