In a contentious decision, a city agency backed by the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) has ordered the removal of three traffic diverters in northwest Portland. These concrete barriers, which were originally installed by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) to enhance safety and calm traffic, are now seen as impediments to police patrol routes.
Skyler Brocker-Knapp, director of Portland Solutions, a bureau created in 2024 to tackle homelessness and associated “livability challenges,” sent an email outlining the request to District 4 city council members. The email, also shared with key city officials including PBOT Director Millicent Williams, claims that the diverters at NW 20th and Everett, NW 14th and Johnson, and NW 15th and Johnson have contributed to chronic nuisance behavior, including drug dealing and vandalism.
Brocker-Knapp’s email highlighted the necessity of removing these diverters due to ongoing public safety concerns.
PBOT installed the diverters as part of its neighborhood greenway projects after extensive public engagement aimed at reducing traffic-related deaths and injuries among vulnerable road users. However, questions about their effectiveness have arisen, with community members expressing frustration over the barriers disrupting access to local businesses.
An article in the NW Examiner noted that the diverters, especially the one at NW 20th and Everett, have drawn the ire of neighboring residents. Many are concerned that the barriers hinder shoppers from Fred Meyer, forcing them to navigate longer routes to reach their homes.
Notably, a poll conducted by the NW Examiner showed that a staggering 85% of participants favored the removal of the diverters.
From the police department’s perspective, the diverters have complicated patrol routes, particularly when navigating between Fred Meyer and Couch Park, which has been scrutinized for issues related to drug use and crime. Earlier this year, the PPB executed a focused enforcement operation around Couch Park, leading to multiple arrests and drug seizures, highlighting ongoing safety challenges in the area.
In his response, District 4 City Councilor Eric Zimmerman had previously signaled his intent to advocate for the diverters’ removal, indicating that the restoration of two-way traffic would aid police navigation and potentially improve overall safety in the neighborhood.
Brocker-Knapp emphasized that reverting to two-way auto traffic, alongside all-way stop sign configurations, would facilitate ease of movement for emergency responders. He also noted that cyclists could utilize the nearby Flanders Greenway as an alternative.
In addition to the changes proposed for NW 20th and Everett, the plan includes the removal of diverters on NW 14th and NW 15th to enhance police access.
PEMO representatives revealed that feedback from cyclists regarding safety concerns at the underpass influenced the decision for the changes. PBOT has already been in discussions with PEMO to formulate a traffic redirection strategy at these areas.
However, not all officials agree with this directive. District 4 City Councilor Mitch Green expressed vehement opposition in his reply to Brocker-Knapp, questioning the rationale behind the diverters’ removal. He expressed concerns about potential safety implications, especially in light of the rising vehicle-related pedestrian fatalities in the city.
In a climate where pedestrian safety is paramount, Green’s objections highlight the ongoing debate surrounding urban planning and public policy decisions in Portland.
Brocker-Knapp’s email also mentioned that a meeting of the PBOT Bicycle Advisory Committee would include the diverter issue on its agenda, with representatives from PEMO and the Mayor’s Office invited to contribute to the discussion.
As the situation develops, further inquiries to city officials, including PPB Traffic Division Sgt. Ty Engstrom, and PEMO regarding their decision-making process and the balance of public safety concerns remain outstanding. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
image source from：bikeportland
