Heads up, Lake Oswego! New pavement is coming! While we are in the final stretch of construction, we can all still expect a few more major traffic impacts before the street transformation is complete. Read on to learn what to expect with upcoming paving work.
Pavement Patches on Bryant Road: 9/8 – 9/10
Starting Wednesday, 9/8 through Friday, 9/10, crews will be permanently patching several utility trenches on Bryant Road between Boones Ferry Road and Upper Drive. This work is in preparation for final paving, which is expected to occur at night in mid-September.
Work hours for this activity are 4 a.m. through 3 p.m.The traveling public should expect significant delays on Bryant Road, particularly during the morning commutes.
On Wednesday, 9/8 the signal at Bryant Road and Upper Drive will be turned off and flaggers will direct traffic through the intersection. Delays are expected. Please find alternate routes or plan ahead for extra travel time during this work.
Reese Road/Lake Grove Avenue Intersection Paving: 9/13 – 9/14
Starting Monday night 9/13 and continuing through Tuesday 9/14, the intersection of Lake Grove Avenue and Reese Road will be reconstructed and paved. During this time:
Lake Grove Avenue will be closed to all through traffic between Reese Road and Upper Drive. Residents and businesses: please access driveways from Upper Drive.
One lane will be open on Reese Road, with flaggers directing traffic.
Expect delays and plan extra travel time.
Final Permanent Paving: mid-late September
One of the final major components of the project is the remaining two-inch top lift layer of asphalt. This “final lift” of paving is currently scheduled to occur the week of 9/13 and 9/20. To minimize traffic impacts, the bulk of this work will take place at night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Key information:
Paving work will be taking place on Boones Ferry Road between W. Sunset Drive and Red Cedar Way, and on portions of side streets including: Madrona Street, Bryant Road, Firwood Road, Quarry Road, Reese Road, Oakridge Road, Lanewood Street, and Red Cedar Way.
Up to two traffic signals will be turned off at a time as crews progress and rotate through each intersection.
Please watch for signage and obey flaggers directions. Expect delays and plan extra travel time.
Access to driveways will be temporarily closed when the paving equipment approaches each driveway.
Residents and businesses should expect an increase in noise and vibration during the paving operation, as there will be a lot of trucks, large equipment, and vibratory rollers compacting the new asphalt.
There will be periods where traffic will be traveling on rough ground, gravel or rock while they grind and prepare the roadway – please drive cautiously.
Weather permitting, lane striping will occur two weeks after the final paving.
Paving schedules are weather dependent and subject to change. Another update will be posted prior to the final top lift paving. Thank you for your patience as we embark on these final impactful activities to transform Boones Ferry Road!
Thank you to everyone for your patience during the recent major work at the Oakridge/Reese/Boones Ferry Road intersection! Reconstructing and paving this intersection was a major activity requiring a lot of coordination and resulting in significant traffic impacts. Crews were able to successfully complete the work on time, opening back the roads and signal by early Saturday evening 7/17!
Work is progressing well on excavating, forming and pouring the final portion of the new medians between the McDonald’s intersection and just north of the Post Office. Final portions of sidewalks are also being poured on some side streets and in the northern area of the project.
Electrical crews activated the new Lanewood signal last month, including U-turn movements and pedestrian crosswalks!
Landscapers continue to install irrigation sleeves and heads throughout the project corridor, in the new medians and planters. They are also working on repairing some irrigation lines that have been impacted on adjacent private properties.
Upcoming Work
Over the next few weeks, remediation and repair work will be taking place for specific areas where concrete curbs, ramps, gutters, or sidewalks may need to be replaced or fixed. Please watch for shifting lanes and traffic safety cones throughout the whole project corridor. Repair work is taking place between Madrona Street and Lanewood Street.
In late August/early September, several utility trenches will be permanently patched on Bryant Road between Boones Ferry and Upper Drive. This portion of Bryant will also receive a pavement overlay during the final paving expected in September.
The new mid-block crossings at Zupan’s and Wells Fargo are expected to be activated in September, along with the McDonald’s and Oakridge Road signals.
Landscaping installation will likely resume in September and continue through fall.
One of the final major components of the project is the remaining two-inch top lift of asphalt. This “final lift” of paving is currently scheduled for mid-September. This work will take place at night to minimize traffic impacts. Weather permitting, lane striping will occur two weeks after the final paving. More information will be shared prior to the final paving.
Major construction work is on track to be complete early fall, with final punch list (landscaping etc.) activities complete soon after.
Traffic Reminders
U-turns
In Oregon, U-turns are allowed at signalized intersections when there is a “U-turn permitted” sign. U-turns are now active at Madrona, Lanewood and Bryant signals.
Once the new signals at Oakridge and McDonald’s are activated, U-turns will also be permitted at those intersections. If you are trying to get to a business on the opposite side of the street, just go to the next signalized intersection and make a U-turn.
Delivery Drivers & Large Trucks
Full sized passenger vehicles are able to make the U-turns, but larger trucks and delivery trucks aren’t able. There have been recent reports of delivery trucks driving through some private properties that have dual driveway access on Boones Ferry Road and side streets, to access other businesses.
For large trucks and delivery drivers that are unable to make U-turns, please plan your trips in a way that will allow you to access your destination by making right turns. This is common practice for truck drivers who make deliveries in urban areas on a regular basis.
Lanewood Signal
As part of the improvements for the project, a new signal was installed at Lanewood Street and the Lake Grove Elementary School driveway was realigned to meet up with the new signalized intersection.
The school driveway remains a one-way exit onto Boones Ferry Road – this condition has not changed. The northbound U-turn pocket at the new Lanewood signal is only permitted for U-turns, not left turns into the school driveway. Please follow the signage and drive safely.
Post Office Access – Use the Lanewood U-Turn!
Now that work is taking place on the new landscaped medians, there is no longer left-turn access into the Post Office driveway. If you are traveling northbound on Boones Ferry Road, instead of turning left into the post office parking lot: ⦁ Continue north on Boones Ferry Road, ⦁ Make a U-turn at the new Lanewood Street traffic signal, ⦁ From southbound Boones Ferry Road, turn right into the parking lot.
The Post Office will keep its current one-way entrance from Boones Ferry Road and one-way exit to Oakridge Road. The new access replaces a sometimes challenging and potentially hazardous left turn across multiple traffic lanes.
Metal Edging
We have received several inquiries and questions about the use of metal edging along some of the planters located in the project corridor.
Metal edging along stormwater planters near Zupan’s
The metal edging provides a 4” high safety buffer between the pedestrian through zone and the stormwater planters – a necessary American with Disabilities Act (ADA) tactile warning for visually-impaired, ensuring that individuals using canes can detect the edge and not walk into the stormwater planters, which are recessed below grade.
Due to insufficient right-of-way width, the edging was installed as an acceptable alternative to the more traditional six-inch wide curbing typically found along stormwater planters. The thicker curbing is often used when there is adequate right-of-way width available. The metal edging allows the pedestrian through zone (accessible surface) of the new sidewalk to be 5.5 ft wide along the corridor, otherwise it would have only been five feet.
The edging was modified from the original design to make it more solid and cohesive. It also provides holes or “scuppers” for water to drain into the stormwater facilities for treatment.
There are several other locations in the metropolitan area that also use this metal edging on planters, including extensive areas in Portland’s South Waterfront district, a very heavy pedestrian area [pictured here].
Metal edging along Portland’s South Waterfront DistrictMetal edging along planters in Portland’s South Waterfront District
Many of the stormwater planters in the project corridor do not yet have plants installed, so some of the edging appears bare and stark. Our landscaper will resume planting this fall, when the weather improves. Once the plants grow in and develop more, the edging will also be less noticeable.
Interested in winning a $100 gift card? Enter our #ShopLakeGrove raffle today! It’s easy to enter:
Take a pic at a participating business (visit link in bio for the details)
Post it on social (make sure your post is public!) or email info@boonesferryproject.org
Mention the business & use #ShopLakeGrove!
Remember, this raffle runs throughout major construction of the Boones Ferry project and each month it starts fresh. Over 30 businesses are participating!
More Information?
For more information, email info@boonesferryproject.org, call 503-697-6573, visit www.boonesferryproject.org or follow the city on social media with #BoonesFerryProject.
Late last week, the contractor discovered an issue with one of the signal poles that was installed at Lanewood Street, which needs to be resolved before the signal can be activated. Crews are planning to fix the pole on Thursday night, 7/8.
The Lanewood signal needs to be active before the Oakridge/Reese Road intersection reconstruction and paving work can take place. Given scheduling conflicts, the signal activation and the intersection work has now been rescheduled to take place the week of 7/12. This work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change.
Watch this 2 ½ minute video to learn more about the intersection work, U-turns, and Post Office access change. (Please note, all information regarding the work plan and traffic impacts outlined in the video are accurate, besides the recent change of dates for the Oakridge/Reese intersection work outlined below).
Oakridge/Reese Intersection Work
The Oakridge/Reese/Boones Ferry intersection work has been rescheduled to take place 24/7 starting midnight Wednesday 7/14, through Saturday 7/17, at 8 p.m.
What to expect during this time: ⦁ Reese Road will be closed to all through traffic between Boones Ferry Road and Sunset Drive ⦁ Lake Grove Avenue will be closed to all through traffic between Reese Road and Upper Drive ⦁ Oakridge Road at Boones Ferry Road will be right in/right out only ⦁ Northbound and southbound traffic on Boones Ferry Road will remain open ⦁ At times, the Oakridge/Reese/Boones Ferry signal will be turned off and flaggers will direct traffic – expect delays ⦁ Access will remain open to all businesses in the corridor – use Boones Ferry Road to access business driveways ⦁ There will be periods where traffic will be traveling on gravel or rock while they rebuild and grade the roadway – please drive safely
Please plan ahead for extra travel time or find an alternate route during this work. Neighbors and businesses near the work area can expect an increase in noise, truck traffic and vibration due to the paving operation.
No Left Turns into Oakridge Road
To accommodate the work zone and equipment for building the remaining medians, there will be a period of about a month where there will be no left turns from Boones Ferry Road into Oakridge Road at the signal. Please use an alternate route during this time.
Northbound Post Office Access Change
Once the Oakridge/Reese Road intersection paving is complete, crews will start working on the final medians between Reese Road and Lanewood Street. This will change the northbound access to the Lake Grove Post Office by permanently removing the current left turn access.
Starting in mid-July, if you are traveling northbound on Boones Ferry Road, instead of turning left into the post office parking lot: ⦁ Continue north on Boones Ferry Road, ⦁ Make a U-turn at the new Lanewood Street traffic signal, ⦁ From southbound Boones Ferry Road, turn right into the parking lot.
The Post Office will keep its current one-way entrance from Boones Ferry Road and one-way exit to Oakridge Road. The new access replaces a sometimes challenging and potentially hazardous left turn across multiple traffic lanes.
U-turn Reminder
In Oregon, U-turns are allowed at signalized intersections when there is a “U-turn permitted” sign. U-turns are already activated at Madrona and Bryant signals.
Once the new signals at Lanewood, Oakridge and McDonald’s are activated, U-turns will also be permitted at those intersections. If you are trying to get to a business on the opposite side of the street, just go to the next signalized intersection and make a U-turn.
Delivery Drivers & Large Trucks
Full sized passenger vehicles are able to make the U-turns, but larger trucks and delivery trucks aren’t able. There have been recent reports of delivery trucks driving through some private properties that have dual driveway access on Boones Ferry Road and side streets, to access other businesses.
For large trucks and delivery drivers that are unable to make U-turns, please plan your trips in a way that will allow you to access your destination by making right turns. This is common practice for truck drivers who make deliveries in urban areas on a regular basis.
Paving on Bryant Road
We have received several questions about when Bryant Road will be repaved where the stormwater, sewer line, and gas lines were installed in portions of the roadway between Boones Ferry and Upper Drive.
Final paving on Bryant is expected to take place this summer, in late July or early August. In the meantime, crews will improve and repair the current temporary patches before final paving takes place.
ShopLakeGrove Raffle!
Interested in winning a $100 gift card, just like Diane did? Enter our #ShopLakeGrove raffle today!
It’s easy to enter: 📸 Take a pic at a participating business (visit link in bio for the details) 📲 Post it on social (make sure your post is public!) or email info@boonesferryproject.org 🔈 Mention the business & use #ShopLakeGrove!
Remember, this raffle runs throughout construction of the Boones Ferry project and each month it starts fresh. Over 30 businesses are participating!
More Information?
For more information, email info@boonesferryproject.org, call 503-697-6573, visit www.boonesferryproject.org or follow the city on social media with #BoonesFerryProject.
Since our last construction update was sent on 6/8, some important dates have changed regarding upcoming traffic impacts. Read on for the latest news.
Traffic Changes Coming Up
Lanewood Intersection Paving
Starting late Wednesday night 6/23 at approximately midnight, through Thursday 6/24 at 6 p.m., crews will be rebuilding and paving the Lanewood Street/Boones Ferry Road intersection.
During work hours, Lanewood Street will be closed between Boones Ferry Road and Boones Way, and a detour will be in place for all through traffic. Local access to business and resident driveways will remain open. Residents and businesses: use Boones Way for access.
Lanewood Signal Activation & U-turns!
Crews are making the final preparations and arrangements for activating the new signalized intersection at Lanewood Street and Boones Ferry Road. This will also include activating the new permitted u-turns at this signal and the new crosswalks! This is now expected to occur in early-mid July.
Oakridge/Reese/Boones Ferry Road Intersection
Now scheduled for mid-July, the intersection of Oakridge x Reese x Boones Ferry Road will be completely reconstructed and paved. Reese Road between Boones Ferry Road and Lake Grove Avenue will also be paved.
This work is now planned to take place 24/7 starting midnight Wednesday 7/7, through Saturday 7/10, at 8 p.m.
What to expect during this time:
Reese Road will be closed to all through traffic between Boones Ferry Road and Sunset Drive
Lake Grove Avenue will be closed to all through traffic between Reese Road and Upper Drive
Oakridge Road at Boones Ferry Road will be right in/right out only
Northbound and southbound traffic on Boones Ferry Road will remain open
At times, the Oakridge/Reese/Boones Ferry signal will be turned off and flaggers will direct traffic – expect delays
Access will remain open to all businesses in the corridor – use Boones Ferry Road to access business driveways
There will be periods where traffic will be traveling on gravel or rock while they rebuild and grade the roadway – please drive safely
Please plan ahead for extra travel time or find an alternate route during this work. Neighbors and businesses near the work area can expect an increase in noise, truck traffic and vibration due to the paving operation.
This work is weather dependent and subject to change. Stay tuned for another update prior to this work.
Northbound Post Office Access Change
Once the Oakridge/Reese Road intersection paving is complete, crews will start working on the final medians between Reese Road and Lanewood Street. This will change the northbound access to the Lake Grove Post Office by permanently removing the current left turn access.
Starting in mid-July, if you are traveling northbound on Boones Ferry Road, instead of turning left into the post office parking lot:
Continue north on Boones Ferry Road,
Make a U-turn at the new Lanewood Street traffic signal,
From southbound Boones Ferry Road, turn right into the parking lot.
The Post Office will keep its current one-way entrance from Boones Ferry Road and one-way exit to Oakridge Road. The new access replaces a sometimes challenging and potentially hazardous left turn across multiple traffic lanes.
New McDonald’s Signal Activation
After paving is complete and traffic loops are installed, the new signal will be activated. This is expected to occur sometime in July.
Oakridge/Reese Signal U-turn Activation
As a reminder, all five signals in our project limits will eventually allow controlled u-turn movements. U-turns are expected to be activated at the Oakridge/Reese intersection in early August.
Final Activities
One “final” lift of asphalt will be placed over the entire project area, between Madrona Street and Lanewood Street. This will take place later this summer, followed by final striping and other minor punchlist items.
Landscaping Update
Given we have had an unseasonably dry and hot spring, we are now waiting to install the remainder of the plants and trees in the project corridor until later this fall, in order to give them the best chance of survival.
We’ve recently received several calls and inquiries about the landscaping, planters and trees being installed on Boones Ferry Road as part of the project. We sent out an update last week, view it here.
Interested in winning a $100 gift card? Enter our #ShopLakeGrove raffle today! It’s easy to enter: 📸 Take a pic at a participating business (visit link in bio for the details) 📲 Post it on social (make sure your post is public!) or email info@boonesferryproject.org 🔈 Mention the business & use #ShopLakeGrove!
Remember, this raffle runs throughout construction of the Boones Ferry project and each month it starts fresh. Over 30 businesses are participating!
More Information?
For more information, email info@boonesferryproject.org, call 503-697-6573, visit www.boonesferryproject.org or follow the city on social media with #BoonesFerryProject.
We’ve recently received several calls and inquiries about the landscaping, planters and trees being installed on Boones Ferry Road as part of the project. Outlined below is some key information.
Tree Staking, Dead Plants or Dying Trees
Our project team and contractor are fully aware of some of the trees having issues with the staking and these are being addressed. We are committed to making sure the project, when completed, meets the intended design.
With a project of this size and scope, there will always be some plants and trees that die or are not in good shape. Ultimately, some of the trees and plants either need to be replanted, re-staked or replaced (some have died since being planted). Our landscaper re-staked and straightened some of the trees this week.
Given we are having an unseasonably dry and hot spring, we are now waiting to install the remainder of the plants and trees in the project corridor until later this fall in order to give them the best chance of survival.
Warranty Periods and Responsibility
The contractor is responsible for plant procurement, installation, establishment, maintenance and replacement.
Our landscape architect has conducted site visits and inventoried the plants. They will conduct a “substantial completion” punchlist walkthrough with the contractor once all the plants and landscaping is installed, where they will “accept” or “approve” the landscaping. During the inspection, if plants or trees that have been installed are not accepted, they will be marked and the contractor will be required to replace them. This then kicks off a one year establishment and warranty period.
Any plants or trees that die within the one year warranty period are required to be replaced by the contractor. After that time, it is then the City’s responsibility for ongoing maintenance in the public right-of-way; and for private areas, it is the property owner’s requirement to maintain the plants.
Types of Trees and Landscaping
In general, the selected plant and tree species in the project corridor are more drought tolerant. Urban roadway conditions are harsh environments for plants and therefore plant selections favored those that can tolerate windy, dry conditions and reflect heat. Some native species that are adaptable to these conditions were included in the plan. Many of these plants (the oak trees in particular) will be very well adapted to the urban conditions that are hotter and drier than our “native” environment.
We have a wide variety of colorful plants that will display their show during different seasons. Daisy Bush, Ceanothus, Cistus, Heather, Cornus, Mahonia, Rhus, Zauschenaria, Achillea, Asclepias, Asters, Baptisia, Camas, Echinacea, Helenium, Iris, Lupine, Monkey Flower, Sisyrinchium are just some examples. Most of these varieties are well-adapted to the conditions, with several being native and low resource intensive. Grasses are used for their toughness and lasting qualities of texture and movement. Annuals and hanging baskets can be included in the future when the project is complete.
A lot of consideration was also given to the placement of the plants and trees to ensure they wouldn’t block sight distance or pedestrian crossings.
Development of the Landscaping Plan
The project’s landscaping plan was developed through a robust public involvement process, led by landscape architects. Our Project Advisory Committee (PAC) was heavily involved in the plant and tree selection process. While they were advocates for native plants, they desired something different for the Lake Grove area and were interested in having a variety of uncommon, adaptable non-native plants. They also desired a robust planting scheme and recognized our limitations of space and harsh conditions. These plans were reviewed, discussed and accepted by the PAC and through a public involvement process that allowed public comment. Our public works arborist and beautification specialist was also involved in the review of the plant list.
Stormwater Planters & Swales
Green infrastructure – stormwater rain gardens, planters and swales – play an important role in collecting stormwater and filtering pollutants out of the dirty runoff, to protect our rivers, lakes and streams.
Directing runoff to a more natural, vegetated system reduces the amount of runoff in our storm system, allows water to slowly soak into the ground, and filters sediments and pollutants to improve water quality.
More than 40 stormwater planters and swales are being installed in the project corridor, to help manage and treat stormwater runoff. This a requirement to meet our Stormwater Management Manual, permitted by the Department of Environmental Quality. Many of these are located in the landscaped medians, and on the east side of the roadway. Those that appear deeper or lower than other landscaped planters are the stormwater planters.
These planters have specific types of planting material, plants and trees that help treat the runoff. Plantings of sedges run through the bottom of the planters and will be the year-round performers in these stormwater facilities. It is a harsh condition that many plants are not suited for.
Physocarpus, Salix, Iris, and Mahonia are other prominent shrubs and perennials that will add color and texture and appear different throughout the year. Cascara, Alder and Magnolia are a few of the trees which are suited to the size and conditions of the facilities.
Metal Edging
The stormwater planters have a metal edge around them which provides a 4” high safety buffer between the pedestrian through zone and the stormwater planters.
There are several other locations in the metropolitan area that also use this edging on planters. Once the plants grow in and develop more, they will also be less noticeable.
The transformation of Boones Ferry Road continues, with construction approaching the finish line in early fall! While we are now in the final months of construction, there are still several major traffic changes in the works for the project. Read below for more information on what to expect.
Recent Progress
Major work is complete in the area south of Bryant Road. Some miscellaneous plantings, artistic elements, concrete repairs, and activation of the mid-block crossing remain. See some recent photos here.
The Madrona Street signal was activated in late April, along with u-turns being permitted at the Bryant Road signal!
Crews are making fantastic progress building the new raised landscaped medians between Bryant Road and Reese Road. Concrete pours will continue over the next few weeks for portions of the medians. Paving will take place in late June.
Work in the northern area is also taking place, between Reese Road and Red Cedar Way. Crews have been forming and pouring new curbs, sidewalks and stormwater planters on the east side (Vic’s/Bar Method side). Paving will also take place in late June.
More Traffic Changes Coming Up
Lanewood Signal Activation & U-turns!
Crews are making the final preparations and arrangements for activating the new signalized intersection at Lanewood Street and Boones Ferry Road. This will also include activating the new permitted u-turns at this signal and the new crosswalks! This is expected to occur in late June.
Oakridge/Reese/Boones Ferry Road Intersection
In late June, the intersection of Oakridge /Reese /Boones Ferry Road will be completely reconstructed and paved. Reese Road between Boones Ferry Road and Lake Grove Avenue will also be paved.
To minimize impacts, this work is planned to take place over one weekend beginning Friday night, June 25 and continuing through Sunday night, June 27. Stay tuned for more information on the schedule and work hours.
What to expect:
Reese Road will be closed to through traffic between Boones Ferry Road and Lake Grove Avenue
Oakridge Road at Boones Ferry Road will be right in/right out only
The Oakridge/Reese/Boones Ferry signal will be turned off and flaggers will direct northbound and southbound traffic through the intersection – expect delays
Access will remain open to all businesses in the corridor – use Boones Ferry Road to access business driveways
There will be periods where traffic will be traveling on gravel or rock while they rebuild and grade the roadway – please drive safely
Please plan ahead for extra travel time or find an alternate route during this work.
This work is weather dependent and subject to change. Stay tuned for another update prior to this work.
Northbound Post Office Access Change
Once Oakridge/Reese Road intersection paving is complete, crews will start working on the final medians between Reese Road and Lanewood Street. This will change the northbound access to the Lake Grove Post Office by permanently removing the current left turn access.
Starting in late June, if you are traveling northbound on Boones Ferry Road, instead of turning left into the post office parking lot:
Continue north on Boones Ferry Road,
Make a U-turn at the new Lanewood Street traffic signal,
From southbound Boones Ferry Road, turn right into the parking lot.
The Post Office will keep its current one-way entrance off Boones Ferry Road and one-way exit off Oakridge Road.
The new access replaces a sometimes challenging and potentially hazardous left turn across multiple traffic lanes.
New McDonald’s Signal Activation
After paving is complete and traffic loops are installed, the new signal will be activated. This is expected to occur in early-mid July.
Oakridge/Reese Signal U-turn Activation
As a reminder, all five signals in our project limits will eventually allow controlled u-turn movements. U-turns are expected to be activated at the Oakridge/Reese intersection in early August.
Final Activities
One “final” lift of asphalt will be placed over the entire project area, between Madrona Street and Lanewood Street. This will take place later this summer, followed by final striping.
Landscaping will continue to be installed throughout the project limits through early September, along with other minor punchlist items.
Councilors Tour Project!
In late April, Mayor Buck and Councilors Mboup and Manz had a behind-the-scenes tour of the streetscape and roadway improvements with project team members, Crystal Shum and Katy Kerklaan.
Thanks for visiting the progress and reminding the traveling public that the new Madrona Street signal is now active and u-turns are permitted!
Who’s Who on Boones Ferry Road!
In April we featured Dogtopia, and in May we featured Kumon.
Remember, this raffle runs throughout construction of the Boones Ferry project and each month it starts fresh. Over 30 businesses are participating!
Lake Grove Farmers’ Market Pilot – thanks for stopping by!
Thanks to the many people who stopped by our project information booth at the Farmers’ Market on March 7 and again on April 25. It was great to chat with you, answer your questions, and provide helpful information about the project!
We have some very exciting news to share! We are ahead of schedule! Despite all the challenges we’ve experienced since we started construction in summer 2019, we are now expecting to complete the project in early fall vs December 2021.
The project has brought a lot of construction and a rough ride for the last few years. But, a better Boones Ferry Road is taking shape, and the transformation will be complete in just a few more months!
Recent Progress
If you’ve visited the project area recently, you can probably tell that a lot has happened in the past month. Sidewalks are almost complete on the west side between Quarry Road and Oakridge Road. Landscaping is complete in the area between Madrona Street and Bryant Road! See some recent photos here.
A lot of paving is taking place this week, including several driveway approaches and travel lanes between Bryant Road and Oakridge Road. In addition, several concrete pours are occurring, particularly for the ADA curb ramps and the colored concrete panels near the McDonald’s intersection, Oakridge intersection, and the expanded sidewalk area along Riccardo’s.
Oakridge Road between Boones Ferry Road and the post office exit is being paved today, and remains closed until 6 p.m. tonight. Thank you for your patience while we reconstruct this section of roadway!
Upcoming Major Traffic Changes
Please note, the information below was revised with new schedule dates on 4/15/21.
Over the next two weeks, watch out for the following major traffic changes. Please plan extra travel time in the corridor. Several of these traffic changes are permanent changes, and it does take the traveling public some time to adjust to new traffic conditions. Thank you for your patience!
South of Bryant – Striping and Lanes to Reopen!
Now that the major work is complete in the area south of Bryant Road, crews plan to stripe the new roadway, including travel lanes, bike lanes and crosswalks, and reopen this area to two lanes in each direction!
The new mid-block crossing at Keller Williams/Lake Grove Shopping Center is almost complete and will likely be activated next month. Stay tuned for more information on this, but in the meantime, it will remain closed.
One “final” lift of asphalt remains to be placed over the entire project area. This will take place later this summer, followed by final striping.
Madrona Street Signal Activation & U-turns!
Once crews stripe the new signaled intersection at Madrona Street and Boones Ferry, they will then test and activate the new signal. This will also include activating the new permitted u-turns at this signal! This is expected to occur on 4/27.
Bryant Road Signal U-turns!
In addition to the Madrona Street signal U-turn activation, crews will also begin allowing southbound U-turns at the Bryant Road signal.
The raised medians prevent mid-block left turns, which have a high collision rate. Eventually, U-turns will be permitted at all five signals in the project area. To get to a business on the opposite side of the street, traffic will be able to go to the next signaled intersection and make a U-turn.
Center Median Work = Right Turns Only
Now that the bulk of the streetscape work on the west side of Boones Ferry Road (Albertsons/Chevron side) between Bryant Road and Oakridge Road is complete, crews are getting ready to switch their work zone to install the new raised landscaped medians.
What to expect in this area:
Pedestrians will be shifted onto the new sidewalks
The current southbound travel lane will shift to the far west side, abutting the new curbs
Crews will set up their work zone in the middle of the roadway
The temporary center turn lane will be removed between Bryant and Oakridge/Reese Roads
All left-turn movements will be eliminated in to, and out of driveways on Boones Ferry Road
While crews excavate and build the new intersection at McDonald’s, no left-turns will be permitted at this intersection. This is expected to last a few days.
Southbound traffic can use the U-turns at Bryant Road signal or Madrona Street signal.
Traffic Shift North of Oakridge
Once major concrete work is complete along the Post Office frontage and at the Oakridge intersection, crews will then switch to working on the east side improvements between Reese Road and Red Cedar Way. This will also allow crews to finish working on the new signal at Lanewood Street.
Travel lanes will be shifted to the west side of the roadway (post office side). One lane in each direction plus a center turn lane will temporarily remain in this area until work begins on the median.
A Better Boones Ferry Road for All
When public spaces are improved and made accessible for all, everyone benefits. The Boones Ferry Road Project is creating a safer street that provides benefits to all transportation modes and all people.
Watch project team members Crystal Shum and Stacy Bluhm share their stories about the vital safety and accessibility improvements that are a core element of the project, and why we are building a better Boones Ferry Road for ALL.
Why Brown Street Name Signs?
We’ve received a few questions recently about why the new street name signs being installed are brown.
Although green is the typical background color for street name signs; blue, brown, or white are allowed as alternative background colors per the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (ref: Section 2D.43.18). Jurisdictions sometimes opt for signs of different colors in different districts as part of their neighborhood identity. The Project Advisory Committee selected the brown sign as part of the project.
The South Waterfront district in Portland also uses brown signs. The Portland Airport uses blue signs.
Remember, this raffle runs throughout construction of the Boones Ferry project and each month it starts fresh. Over 30 businesses are already participating!
Lake Grove Farmers’ Market Pilot Continues!
Thanks to the many people who stopped by our project information booth at the Farmers’ Market on March 7. It was great to chat with you, answer your questions, and provide helpful information about the project!
From 6 a.m. Monday, 4/12 through 6 p.m. Tuesday, 4/13, Oakridge Road between Boones Ferry Road and the post office exit will be reconstructed and paved, impacting normal traffic routes.
Key details:
Oakridge Road will be closed to all through traffic between Boones Ferry Road and Quarry Road
A detour will be in place on Quarry Road and Douglas Way – watch for signage
Residents and businesses located within the closure area: please use Quarry Road to enter Oakridge
One lane in each direction is expected to remain open on Boones Ferry Road through the intersection
Access will remain open to all businesses in the corridor, including the post office – please use Boones Ferry Road to access business driveways
Plan ahead for extra travel time, expect delays or use alternate routes
This work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change.
When public spaces are improved and made accessible for all, everyone benefits. The Boones Ferry Road Project is creating a safer street that provides benefits to all transportation modes and all people.
This week is National Women in Construction Week, and today is International Women’s Day! Today we are showcasing two of our incredible women civil engineers leading the Boones Ferry Road Project. Watch and learn as they share their stories about the vital safety and accessibility improvements that are a core element of the project, and why we are building a better Boones Ferry Road for ALL.
Due to inclement weather, the traffic shift that was originally planned for early February has been postponed to this week. Tomorrow, Tuesday 3/2, between Bryant Road and Reese Road, traffic will be shifted onto the east side (McDonald’s side) of the road, so crews can finish working on the west side (Riccardo’s side) improvements and widening.
Key information:
Crews will be removing some existing striping and placing additional temporary striping.
Work is expected to occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. During this time, expect some delays and plan extra travel time.
For up to two hours, the traffic signal at Oakridge/Reese/Boones Ferry will be turned off and traffic will be flagged through the intersection.
The temporary traffic configuration of one lane in each direction plus a center turn lane will remain in this area during this next stage of work.
Please watch for changing traffic patterns and plan some extra time through the work zone as the traveling public gets used to the change.
Work on the west side improvements is expected to take a few months to complete. Once this area is complete, crews will move to the center of the roadway to start working on the new medians between Bryant and Reese Road.
In the next month or so, traffic lanes between Oakridge Road (at the post office) and Lanewood Street will also shift. Crews will begin working on the east side improvements (Giant Burger side).
Plants have arrived!
In the area south of Bryant Road, the landscapers have started to install new street trees and plants within the medians, landscaped planters and stormwater planters! This work will continue over the next few weeks.
A new mid-block crossing is coming along!
As part of the improvements, two new pedestrian mid-block crossings will be installed. Work on the southern one is under way (located between Keller Williams and the Lake Grove Shopping Center). Check out the latest progress photos here.
A progress photo of the new mid-block crossing
A progress photo of the new mid-block crossing
In the coming weeks, this new crossing will be activated, along with the new signalized intersection at Madrona Street. These are two significant safety improvements for pedestrians, as they now will be able to safely cross Boones Ferry Road in this area without having to travel all the way to the Bryant Road signal or West Sunset signal.
A sample rendering of the new mid-block crossing currently under construction
New Log Bench
In early February, a progressive log bench was installed at the expanded sidewalk area just north of Keller Williams.
This bench was created and procured through a combined neighborhood enhancement grant by the Waluga, Lake Forest and Lake Grove neighborhoods. The natural wood bench was made using a large douglas fir tree that was slated for removal as part of the road widening. It was repurposed and transformed into a piece of interpretive art. The bench shows the progression from an original barked trunk, a partial bench and a completely milled bench.
Street signs are being installed
Check out the new street signs that have been placed on some of the new mast arms. Our project advisory committee selected the tree logo/emblem as it envisions the Lake Grove area and the transformation of Boones Ferry Road.
Lake Grove Farmers’ Market Sundays, March 7-April 25, 1-5pm Hallmark Drive (between Mercantile Drive & Collins Way)
The City of Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation Department is delighted to unveil a pilot farmers’ market in Lake Grove! The Lake Grove Farmers’ Market celebrates farmers and foodies alike, offering the finest food & agricultural products in the Pacific Northwest. The pilot program, which is sponsored by Mercato Grove, aims to evaluate community interest in a permanent market on the westside of Lake Oswego. The Lake Grove Farmers’ Market will be small in scale and adhere to all Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 guidelines, along with government health & safety guidelines. Face coverings required. Parking is located at Acme Construction, Dischinger Orthodontics, Go to Ortho/Summit Orthopaedics and Lake Grove Elementary School. For additional information, including a vendor list, visit www.lakeoswego.city/lgfm.
#Shop Lake Grove Raffle
You’ve got to be in it, to win it! Natasha did just that – she entered our monthly #ShopLakeGrove raffle last month while picking up her piano book at the Lake Music Center, and won a $100 gift card!
Remember, this raffle runs throughout construction of the Boones Ferry project and each month it starts fresh. Over 30 businesses are already participating – all you need to do to enter is:
Take a photo at a participating Lake Grove business (list is here)
For more information, visit boonesferryproject.org, email info@boonesferryproject.org, call 503-697-6573 or follow the city on social media with #boonesferryproject and #followthebluecones.
Coming your way: a safer, more appealing Boones Ferry Road for all
