Board adopts Main Streets on Halsey plan to add sidewalks, protected bike lanes and crossings

The Multnomah County Board unanimously adopted the Main Streets on Halsey street‑design plan after presentations from county staff and elected leaders representing East County jurisdictions.

Commissioner John Stixson introduced the item and noted the plan is the culmination of five years of work among the cities of Fairview, Troutdale and Wood Village and Multnomah County. Mayor Kirchner of Wood Village and Metro Councilor Ashton Simpson both spoke in favor of the plan, citing extensive community engagement and the corridor’s potential to attract transportation and economic investment. "This is not a cookie cutter plan. It's a unique vision for a unique corridor and will attract the transportation and economic investments that our community deserves," Councilor Simpson said.

County transportation project staff walked the board through the plan’s development, community outreach and design features. The Main Streets on Halsey concept includes short‑ and long‑term improvements: widened and continuous sidewalks, protected and elevated bike facilities, more and safer crossings, lighting and streetscape elements, and interim projects to be phased into the county capital improvement program. The project area runs from about 201st Avenue through East County to Downtown Troutdale, and the presentation noted high crash rates along portions of the corridor.

County staff said next steps include internal implementation planning, incorporating improvements into the county’s CIP and pursuing grant and federal/state funding; the three cities will consider the plan within their transportation system plan updates.

The board approved the resolution to adopt the plan by roll call vote.