The official opening day of the new Congressman Earl Blumenauer Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge is Sunday, July 31.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation has planned a free day-long party to welcome the community, pedestrians, and cyclists to explore the new bridge as well as many community spaces in the area.
The day includes design tours, pedestrian and bike parades, and chances to meet local vendors and community organizations that will gather to celebrate the new bridge that now provides a car-free link between two of Portland neighborhoods, the Lloyd District and the Central Eastside.
The new crossing spans Interstate 84 at Northeast Seventh Avenue, and completes a major segment of the future Green Loop, a concept for a 6-mile linear park that includes urban pedestrian plazas, mobility zones, and engaged adjacent developments, according to PBOT.
Sunday’s opening day highlights include:
- 8 a.m.: Breakfast on the Bridge. Coffee and pastries in the North Plaza, just north of the bridge near Northeast Lloyd Boulevard.
- 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Milagro Plaza. Milagro Theater and the Street Trust offer a look at the new plaza as well as live music, Southeast Seventh Avenue and Start Street.
- Noon: Official Opening Ceremony. U.S. Rep Earl Blumenauer will give opening remarks, and city commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty will also speak. The ceremony includes a ribbon cutting and unveiling of a bronze plaque. South Plaza on the south end of the bridge.
- 1 p.m.: Bridge Architectural and Design tour. Meet at North Plaza, just north of the bridge near Northeast Lloyd Boulevard.
- 1:30 p.m. Celebration Bike Ride. This 8-mile ride will likely last about 2 hours, and crosses bike-only bridges. Learn more about Portland’s bike-friendly streets, lanes, and paths. Meet at North Plaza.
- 3-10 p.m. Block Party. Depave welcomes the community for a party including live music, skate ramps, vendors, food trucks, and lawn games. Learn about the group’s push to remove some pavement areas along roadways and replace them with green spaces. Southeast Seventh Avenue at Sandy Boulevard.
Map courtesy of PBOT
PBOT announced via Twitter that several streets, north and south of the bridge, will be closed on Sunday for block parties. Most of the activity is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information on the Blumenauer Bridge log onto portland.gov/transportation
