Safety improvements to S.E. 82nd Avenue now underway

Here’s why there’s been so much roadwork being done on this outer East Portland thoroughfare, along the Lents neighborhood these days …

Temporary traffic directional signs, like this one, have become a common sight along S.E. 82nd Avenue of Roses, south of Foster Road.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Starting in November, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) SE 82nd Avenue Paving and Safety Improvements Project got underway – and it continues into the new year..

Those traveling along 82nd Avenue of Roses between Foster Road and the Clackamas County line have likely run into lane closures, as heavy equipment is digging deep under the pavement.

Moving from place to place along S.E. 82nd Avenue of Roses, lane closures like these protect highway workers as theyu dig up the roadway for needed repairs.

The excavation is for relocating underground utilities, and installing new dry sumps to improve drainage on what has been a state highway – but is being transferred to the Portland Department of Transportation now.

While work will likely cease for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, continue to expect more disruptions – day and night – in 2024 along S. E. 82nd Avenue of Roses at S. E. Ogden, Cornwell, Flavel, and Lambert? Streets.

In this section of S.E. 82nd Avenue of Roses, construction workers are digging what will become a 16 foot deep drywell, to help rainwater drain from the highway.

Still to come will be pedestrian-safety improvements, including four Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, upgrades to curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and new sidewalks in select locations.

There will be temporary pedestrian accessible detour routes during construction, ODOT officials say, as the final state road improvements occur before the road will transfer to the City of Portland.

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