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Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements

Project improvements enhance and encourage
pedestrian and bicycle travel

CRC is working to improve opportunities to travel by foot and bike between the communities of North Portland, Hayden Island and Vancouver. The CRC project will improve the existing narrow sub-standard pedestrian and bicycle facilities to encourage up to 1,000 pedestrians and 5,000 bicyclists a day to cross the river on the new bridge by 2030.

Covered path over Columbia River

The CRC project is designing a replacement I-5 crossing with two bridge structures. The northbound structure will carry vehicle traffic above and have a covered path for pedestrians and bikes on a deck below. 

The path across the Columbia River will be up to 20 feet wide, allow for natural light and include views of Mt. Hood. This design also will minimize exposure to noise, dust and exhaust from vehicles. The CRC is committed to ensuring this multiuse path will be safe and comfortable for users. A safety and security plan will be developed as the project develops. More about bridge design.

Multi-use paths connect communities

The CRC project will carry a new multi-use path over the Columbia River, greatly improving conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Miles of multi-use paths, bike lanes and sidewalks will be added or improved within the CRC project area.

On Hayden Island and in Vancouver, new and reconstructed sidewalks, bike lanes and multi-use paths will improve connections to regional trails, transit stations and neighborhoods on either side of I-5. An option under consideration by the Oregon Legislature would postpone some bicycle and pedestrian improvements on the east side of I-5 to a later phase; a pathway on the west side of I-5 would be built in the initial construction phase. Decisions on phasing will be made by the Oregon and Washington legislative bodies as they consider funding options. More about phased construction on Hayden Island.

Community feedback shapes designs

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PBAC) helped guide the development of improvements for people who walk or bike within or through the project area. The group helped the project develop a map of existing pathways, design guidelines, projections for future use by pedestrians and bicyclists and elements for a maintenance and security plan.

Next steps

A description of the project's pedestrian and bicycle elements is included in the Final Environmental Impact Statement, along with other design refinements and community and environmental effects.

The project will continue to work with the community and advisory committees on design details such as bicycle parking, facility maintenance and security, pavement striping and signs.