Bicyclists of all ages and abilities commandeer many of Portland’s bridges this Sunday, Aug. 14, for the annual Providence Bridge Pedal.
It’s the one day a year when human-powered wheeled vehicles and pedestrians get to take in the spectacular views from the upper decks of the Fremont and Marquam bridges, as well as cruise over the vehicle lanes of the Steel, Morrison, Hawthorne and Ross Island bridges.
Automobile traffic will be restricted on several routes including Interstates 5 and 405 from about 6 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.
Organizers may close travel lanes, bridges, and the streets in areas along the routes as early as 4 a.m. to safely accommodate thousands of bicyclists and pedestrians.
The weather is expected to be perfect, with few morning clouds and a daytime high of about 85 degrees. Temperatures at the time the rides kick off will be around 60-65 degrees.
Here is the list of Portland’s bridges and their availability to vehicle traffic early Sunday according to organizers:
- St. Johns: open in both directions
- Fremont: upper deck closed until noon
- Broadway: open in both directions
- Steel: closed eastbound until noon
- Burnside: open
- Morrison: closed eastbound until 10 a.m.
- Hawthorne: closed eastbound until 11:30 a.m.
- Marquam: upper deck closed until 11 a.m.
- Ross Island: westbound closed until 10:30 a.m.
- Sellwood: travel lanes open, north sidewalk closed until 9:30 a.m.
- Tilikum Crossing: open to bikes, pedestrians and TriMet vehicles
Note that bridge reopening times are approximate. Travelers should expect delays on Portland bridges, freeways, on and off-ramps, and in the central city and nearby roads before, during, and immediately after the event. All bridges should be fully reopened by about noon.
Public transit riders on MAX should experience few delays. Several TriMet bus lines will be detoured during the event. Check your line information at www.trimet.org. Some stops will be closed. Portland Streetcar will operate a normal Sunday schedule.
Those who are not participating in the ride should expect delays on routes around the downtown core and a marked increase in pedestrian, bicyclist and other traffic through about noon. If you don’t have to be downtown on Sunday morning, best to just skip it.
Participants can register for Sunday’s event in-person or online for $25-$60 (3-mile kids pedal ride is free). More information is available at providence.org/lp/bridge-pedal
Follow us on Twitter for the latest in commuting news: @trafficportland
— Rosemarie Stein
503-221-4376, events@oregonian.com; @trafficportland
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