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Portland’s Rose Quarter Environmental Report for $715M Project Adequate, Not Explained Well
An independent peer review found that Oregon’s Environmental Assessment for the $715-million Rose Quarter freeway project was technically sound, but the state didn’t communicate the findings well. A group of six transportation experts were asked by Oregon’s Transportation Commission to analyze the Dept. of Transportation report.
The review supported the state’s original environmental analysis that indicated the freeway project would result in a slight reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. But, more efforts are needed to collaborate plans with the neighborhoods surrounding the freeway, Portland Public Schools and other stakeholders.
The project is expected to help unclog a 1.8-mile stretch of the I-5 transportation corridor by adding merging lanes and highway shoulders. The project could also encompass capping the freeway to allow building on top, as well as a new bike and pedestrian bridge, a new seismically sound freeway overcrossing and surface street improvements.
Work could commence as soon as 2021 on improvements that could eventually cost more than $800 million to build.
For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Dennis Kaiser
- ◦Economy
- ◦Development
