The Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) Congressman Earl Blumenauer Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge will provide a valuable car-free connection between two of the Rose City’s fastest growing neighborhoods. In the spirit of how this bridge will bring us together, on July 31, PBOT will host a community gathering to celebrate the formal opening of the new crossing.
The day will include a variety of community-led bike rides. New plazas on the north and south sides of the bridge, as well as nearby destinations in the Lloyd District and Central Eastside, will have pop-up block parties with a variety of local vendors and organizations. The Central Eastside Industrial Council and Go Lloyd, along with The Street Trust and Friends of the Green Loop, are organizing local groups that may want to take part in street fairs and group bike rides the day of the celebration. There will also be a formal program where local leaders, including Congressman Blumenauer and Portland Transportation Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty will speak.
When: Sunday, July 31. Visitors are encouraged to arrive by 11:30 a.m., ahead of the ceremony and afternoon pop-up block party.
Where: The NE Seventh Avenue and NE Flanders Street intersection on the south side of the bridge. The NE Seventh Avenue and NE Lloyd Boulevard intersection will provide access to the north side.
What: Community celebration and Blumenauer Bridge opening ceremony with speeches from a handful of dignitaries, including Congressman Blumenauer and Commissioner Hardesty. A pop-up block party curated by neighborhood partners will offer a chance to explore local vendors and services. Other activities may be offered in the neighborhoods in the surrounding area.
Source: Portland Bureau of Transportation