What's New on the Portland Mall?

Big changes on 5th and 6th avenues downtown

Over the last two years, the Portland Mall (also known as the "transit mall") has been undergoing major renovations. While we were laying tracks and building stations for MAX Green Line, we made a number of improvements along 5th and 6th avenues.

• Renovated streets, sidewalks and storefronts, along with new brick intersections, street furniture and landscaping, help create a friendly and inviting atmosphere.
• All bus stops and MAX stations are located on the right-hand side of the street, so transfers will be safe and convenient when MAX service begins on the Mall in September.
• New signs and convenient stop groupings make it easy to find your stop or station.
• We're installing new bus and MAX shelters with better visibility, better lighting and real-time arrival information displays. Final shelter installation will start in mid-June and run through August.
• Countdown signals at crosswalks make the Mall safer for pedestrians.
• Security cameras will monitor shelters and station areas throughout the Mall.
• Cars and bikes can now travel the entire length of the Mall in the left-hand traffic lane, while buses and MAX trains use the dedicated transit lanes on the right. Cars and bikes are not allowed in the transit lanes, and right turns are not allowed from 5th and 6th avenues, except where posted.
• Four auto pullouts provide access for deliveries and passenger loading/unloading.
• More bike parking has been added on 5th and 6th avenues and on adjacent blocks, including several covered "bike oases." Learn more about bike parking on the Mall
• A new bike lane on 5th Avenue south of Jefferson improves safety for cyclists.
• Signals are timed for traffic moving at about 12 miles per hour, so bikes and cars travel at the same comfortable speed.
• Trees were pruned or replaced to allow more natural light onto the street and sidewalks.
• New works by local and regional artists are being installed to enhance the existing public art collection along the Mall. Installation should complete by fall 2009.