Oregon forms new Office of Urban Mobility and Mega Project Delivery

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is reportedly developing a new focus on comprehensive solutions to congestion, access and mobility issues, which affect quality of life and economic health beyond the Portland metro area. 

ODOT’s newly formed Office of Urban Mobility and Mega Project Delivery is said to be a key part of that comprehensive approach. While the department has said its work will continue to evolve, the Office will immediately focus on developing and delivering innovative solutions for comprehensive congestion relief as directed by the Legislature in HB 2017.

“The creation of this office not only signals ODOT’s commitment to addressing congestion on all fronts, but signals our new way of doing business. The agency will enhance its efforts to grow beyond just a highway department into an organisation focused on providing transportation options for all users, making decisions through the lens of social equity, and ensuring equitable access to transportation choices and economic opportunities for communities and individuals across our state,” said Oregon Transportation Commission and ODOT Director, Kris Strickler.

The work of the new Office will include delivery of the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project, the I-205 and Abernethy Bridge Project, and active development of a tolling and congestion pricing programme to meet the region’s immediate needs. These projects are said to be just the beginning and the Office will reportedly lead on the region’s greatest transportation challenges as ODOT moves to provide greater access, options, and reliability to the transportation network in the region.