THE HEADACHE BEGINS

Due to PMLR construction, all modes of northbound traffic will be detoured away from Powell overpass for about a year, starting 6/15/12. From June 15, 2012 through approximately summer 2013, the SE 17th Avenue and Powell Boulevard overpass will be closed for construction. The overpass is being demolished to make way for two new structures: One for the new MAX line between Portland and Milwaukie and one for motorists, buses, cyclists and pedestrians.

Here’s how the closure of the overpass will affect you if you normally drive, bike, walk or ride north from Center St across or onto Powell Blvd:

Bus lines 17 and 70

Northbound buses will turn left on Center, right on Milwaukie, serving existing stops on Milwaukie at Center and Haig.
The northbound Line 70 stop at Powell and Milwaukie will be relocated near the ARCO gas station, nearside Milwaukie.
Southbound buses will not be affected.
Detour begins June 15 but is reflected on some public materials as of the June 3 service change. Operators, watch your pouches for updates.
Safety measures include: Removal of some on-street parking; new centerline striped on Center at Milwaukie; operators reminded to drive slowly on Center.
Motorists
Northbound 17th will be detoured to McLoughlin via Holgate.
Northbound 17th will remain open to local traffic between Holgate and Haig.
Southbound 17th, including access from Powell, will remain open.
Pedestrians/bicycles
Northbound and southbound bike/ped access across Powell at 17th will be closed, on and underneath the structure.
Bike/ped alternatives include the overpass at 9th.