Portland, Oregon - Corbett Avenue
Location
- Portland, OR
- Corbett Avenue
- Start: Boundary Street
- Finish: Nebraska Street
Background
SW Corbett is designated as a local service street but functions as a collector. This section includes an off-ramp from Interstate 5, connects directly to downtown Portland making it a convenient commuter route, and serves a mixed single-family neighborhood. The neighborhood traffic committee decided to focus their efforts on increasing the street's ambiance and use by pedestrians and cyclists. Committee and staff developed the following project goals:
- Improve neighborhood livability and appearance of SW Corbett Avenue.
- Discourage on-street parking and improve access to businesses.
- Encourage residents to choose walking as an alternative form of transportation for short trips.
- Encourage bicycling and promote the safety of bicyclists.
- Minimize project impact on emergency service vehicles and Tri-Met bus operation.
Construction was completed in November of 1996.
Notable Features
Pedestrian Improvements
Curb extensions were constructed at Pendleton, Flower, and Boundary Streets. Pedestrian refuges were added at Carolina and Iowa Streets. These features reduce the pedestrian's crossing distance and time as well as make the pedestrian more visible to drivers. This reduced the number of pedestrian versus vehicle accidents. However, some on-site parking removal was necessary to construct the curb extensions and pedestrian refuges. A textured cross walk was built at Boundary Street. Use of these features have assisted to reach this project's goals by reducing vehicle speeds and enhancing the aesthetics of the neighborhood.
Medians
A median barrier was constructed north of Sweeny Street. This feature improved safety on Corbett Avenue by separating opposing vehicle travel lanes, preventing vehicles from passing other vehicles and placing limitations on access. This median barrier also acts as a pedestrian refuge at some points and enhances the landscaping of the street.
Striping and Signage
At Nebraska Street, the centerline was restriped and raised pavement markers were replaced and added. The speed zone signage was changed from 30 mph to 25 mph after the completion of all construction. The restriping and the signage have increased awareness among the street's users, thereby reducing the accidents and speeds.
Speed Humps
Three 14-foot speed humps, at 165 to 190 meter spacing (540 to 620 feet), were constructed along the 0.31 mile stretch of SW Corbett from Custer to Texas Streets. Since 14 foot speed humps are most appropriate for street sections with an 85th percentile speed between 25 mph and 35 mph, the construction of these features has reduced the average speed along this section of Corbett Avenue.
Street Maintenance
The overall maintenance was not significantly impacted since striping, signage, speed humps and curb extensions do not require regular maintenance. The only significant increase in maintenance is from the new landscaping placed in the median barrier and the pedestrian refuges.
Speed and Traffic Counts for Corbett
|
Before |
After |
Traffic Volume |
2,700-5,400 vpd |
3,100-6,900 vpd |
85th Percentile Speed |
34-37 mph |
24.5-35.9 mph |
Public Response
Since there was much public participation and citizen involvement throughout the project, there was a very positive reaction to the finished product. The City of Portland places a great significance on public participation and education in their Traffic Calming Program.
Transportation Philosophy of the Town
Portland is quite well known for its innovative traffic calming methods. It is often used as a model for other towns that are in the process of creating their own traffic calming guidelines.
Additional Information
Vehicle speeds along SW Corbett, Boundary to Nebraska, have been reduced, most significantly where speed humps were constructed without traffic volumes being significantly affected. Several intersections have been enhanced in terms of pedestrian safety. Each of these changes contribute toward achieving the neighborhood goals of increasing the street's ambiance, appearance and use by pedestrians and cyclists.
Original Contact
Ms. Crysttal Atkins
Project Manager
City of Portland
Traffic Calming Section
1120 SW 5th Avenue, Room 730
Portland, OR 97204
(503)823-5163
Fax (503)823-7576
Bulb-outs and landscaping on Corbett Avenue.
Textured crosswalk across Corbett Avenue.
This information originally compiled by Angela Obeso, 1999, as part of a senior project.
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