Learn about the permanent Better Naito project, Better Naito Forever, at www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/betternaitoforever.

Better Naito is open!

Better Naito opened on January 28, 2019, to provide a safe and comfortable detour during the Eastbank Esplanade maintenance project. Better Naito provides the closest continuous connection between the Hawthorne and Steel bridges on the west side of the Willamette River.

This is the third year of the Council-approved, 5-year implementation of Better Naito. Like past years, PBOT will install plastic posts to delineate one northbound motor vehicle lane on Naito Parkway between SW Main Street and NW Couch Street. There will also be a designated passenger drop off zone on SW Taylor Street to better accommodate people being dropped off by personal vehicles, taxis, and rideshares.

Learn more about the Eastbank Esplanade closure at portlandoregon.gov/parks/eastbank

#BetterNaito: A New Way to the Waterfront

Since 2015, Better Naito has provided a protected space for pedestrians and cyclists traveling along Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park during its busiest season: summer. Every year the park hosts many of the region’s largest festivals, drawing almost 700,000 visitors between April and November, and over 15,000 people per day at its peak. In 2017, cyclists took almost 400,000 one-way trips on Better Naito!

Prior to Better Naito, people were forced to walk in the bike lane, squeeze onto narrow dirt paths, or bike in a travel lane with motor vehicles. Initially established as a pilot project by Better Block PDX and a team of civil engineering students from Portland State University, Better Naito helped to manage the increased transportation demand from the seasonal influx of visitors.

By converting one northbound motor vehicle lane on Naito Parkway into a two-way cycle track and pedestrian walkway, Better Naito provides a safe space for people to travel to and access the exciting events at Waterfront Park. Moreover, the clear delineation improves travel time reliability and reduces conflicts between vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.



For additional information, please view Better Naito Frequently Asked Questions.

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Call: (503) 823-4321