The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has already produced an alternate plan that enhances and calms Burnside without creating a couplet and destroying neighboring streets. Unfortunately, this plan has received scarce attention as PBOT is determined to build a couplet.
In summarizing the findings of their alternate plan PBOT said:
“…implementation of new signals do allow for additional crossing locations for pedestrians, helping to connect neighborhoods north and south of W Burnside, and some locations do allow for left turning opportunities without significant impact to the overall intersection operations. Adjustments can be made to the signal timing to allow for the best progression available and implementation of a protected left turn to enhance connectivity.”[1]
This plan is a good start, but the Better Burnside Alliance (BBA) believes that with more effort and creativity an alternate enhanced plan can be even better. BBA, in collaboration with a professional team of design professionals, is reviewing PBOT’s alternate plan and is looking at other ideas that will take into consideration the integration of surrounding streets and the expansion of the pedestrian friendly environment that we all value. With the addition of our ideas, we invite PBOT to abandon the ill conceived couplet and work with us and others to create a true solution to the enhancement of Burnside and its surroundings.
The development of the BBA’s alternate ideas and concepts is currently in progress and will be presented in the near future. Please watch our website for its introduction.
[1] Portland Bureau of Transportation West Burnside Existing Enhanced Plan (WBEEP) Pp. 35
