Bike Lane Upgrades: Concrete Separators

PBOT is prioritizing bike lane upgrades on many streets by replacing plastic delineator posts with more permanent materials, typically concrete traffic separators or, in parking-protected bicycle lanes, concrete islands.

Project Summary

As of 2024, Portland has more than 50 miles of protected bike lane and roughly 40% of those protected lanes utilize plastic delineators (“wands”) and “tough curb” (bolted-down composite “bumps”) to protect the lane. 

PBOT is replacing plastic delineator posts with more permanent materials, typically concrete traffic separators or, in parking-protected bicycle lanes, concrete islands with a wider surface to step on. The project will replace more than 10,000 linear feet of plastic separators in the first 3 years. 

Why is This a Priority?

Maintenance: The frequent need to replace delineator posts unnecessarily burdens PBOT’s maintenance crews. This responsibility pulls crews away from addressing other needs of a city’s transportation system. Concrete traffic separators (as well as concrete islands) require far less maintenance. 

Aesthetics: Even in good conditions, plastic delineator posts can quickly look temporary or lower quality. While delineator posts are affordable and do allow for quick implementation, they have at times been criticized as Portland not putting its “best foot forward.” 

What is happening now?

PBOT and PBOT contractors completed construction to replace plastic separators with concrete separators on SW Naito Avenue in 2025. PBOT completed construction on SW Madison Street and NE Couch Street in February 2026. Construction of NE Glisan Street separators was completed in October 2026. SE Hawthorne Boulevard Separators and NW 16th Avenue separators are currently under construction (October 2026). Design is complete for SW 16th Street Separators and SE Morrison Separators, with construction to follow soon.

Public Involvement Opportunities

Please contact Keith Baich at 503-823-5391 or keith.baich@portlandoregon.gov to connect with PBOT staff about this project.