Project To Improve SE Foster Road Begins This Week

From Safer Foster: Improvements are on their way to SE Foster Road as the Foster Transportation and Streetscape Project kicks off this week.

Crews will be doing night work on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights from approximately 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. to restripe Foster from SE 52nd Avenue to SE 82nd Avenue to create a new center turn lane. One lane in each direction will be open for travel during the restriping.

The road restriping will reconfigure the travel lanes on Foster Road to one lane each direction with a center turn lane, which will provide the space for future construction of the planned median refuge islands.

Learn more and sign up for email updates about construction progress and upcoming community events at SaferFoster.com.

The Foster Transportation and Streetscape Project will deliver a street that is safer and more attractive for people walking, biking, taking transit and driving.

With improved crosswalks and other safety features, modern signals, new pavement, 190 street trees and new decorative street lights, the project will transform Foster Road into an inviting thoroughfare that supports a vibrant commercial district and enhances the quality of life in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The project extends from SE 50th Avenue to the western edge of the Lents Town Center at SE 90th Avenue. The changes to the street and urban design will transform Foster Road from a high-speed, auto-oriented corridor into a more balanced streetscape that is safer and more accessible for people walking, biking, taking public transit and driving.

Additionally, the new design will support and enhance the growing mix of businesses and residences in the neighborhood.

Funding for the $9 million project comes from the Fixing our Streets Program, the Lents Town Center Urban Renewal District, Portland Transportation System Development Charges and a Metro grant.

Additional information about the project can be found at www.saferfoster.com.

Foster will remain open for business!

PBOT encourages neighbors and summer event enthusiasts to support these and other Foster / Lents community events during construction:

• Lents International Farmers Market, Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Green Lents Garage Sale, July 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Foster Tasting Tour, July 14, 2 to 10 p.m.
• Fiesta Caribeña at Portland Mercado, July 14, 12 to 8 p.m.
• Lents Fair, August 5, 11:15 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Second Saturday Art Walk, August 11, 4 to 8 p.m.

In coordination with the Foster Area Business Association (FABA), business promotions and specials will be promoted on SaferFoster.com and Facebook throughout the summer.

In addition, Prosper Portland may be able to provide a loan, grant or technical assistance to qualified businesses and property owners on Foster Road for the purpose of growing their business, improving their place of business or redeveloping their commercial property.

Call or email Nixie Stark at Prosper Portland to learn more. Nixie Stark (503) 823-0465 StarkN@ProsperPortland.us

Image Via Shuttershock