Portland council backs $36 million in transportation projects

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The Portland City Council has approved a $36 million in transportation funding for projects like creating bus-only travel lanes on the approaches to three downtown bridges, building a network of protected bike lanes on both sides of the Willamette River and improving dozens of dangerous pedestrian crossings in the city’s center.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports that Thursday’s approval of the list of projects is the culmination of an effort which dates to 2012 and which transportation leaders say would make downtown streets more efficient and safe.

The city still faces a $9 million funding gap to make the projects a reality. The overall effort, known as Central City in Motion, includes an additional $37 million in projects to build within the next six to 10 years.