ODOT - Oregon Department of Transportation

10/20/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/20/2021 16:09

Bus on Shoulder demonstration on Tuesday

Oct. 20, 2021

For more information, contact Don Hamilton, 503-704-7452

ODOT and South Metro Area Regional Transit will kick off the new Bus on Shoulder pilot project Tuesday with a media event at the Wilsonville Transit Center.

The event will feature remarks by dignitaries followed by a demonstration ride on a SMART bus touring the project. The media is invited.

Masks will be required at all times due to the event being held at a transit facility. Masks will also be required on the demonstration ride.

Here are details.

  • What: Bus on Shoulder kickoff event.
  • When: 12 noon. Tuesday, Oct. 26 with demonstration ride at 12:30 p.m.
  • Where: Wilsonville Transit Center, 9699 S.W. Barbur St., Wilsonville.
  • Who: Dignitaries include Wilsonville Mayor Julie Fitzgerald, Clackamas County Commissioner Paul Savas, Tualatin Mayor Frank Bubenik, Milwaukie City Council President Kathy Hyzy and ODOT Director Kris Strickler. Event emcee will be SMART Director Dwight Brashear.
  • Why: Inaugurating the new Bus on Shoulder pilot project on Interstate 5, which officially begins on Monday Nov. 1.

The Bus on Shoulder project will allow SMART buses to use segments of the shoulders along two miles of I-5 between I-205/I-5 interchange and Southwest Elligsen Road when traffic drops below 35 mph.

New highway signs, pavement striping, and roadway legends will inform motorists of the appropriate shoulder uses.

The effort is included in ODOT's Strategic Action Plan as a key outcome to reduce congestion in the Portland region. The project is part of the Urban Mobility Office (UMO) Comprehensive Congestion Management & Mobility Plan.

For more information go to the Bus on Shoulder web site.