Rose Lane helps buses move safely, efficiently through traffic, getting you where you need to go
Buses are now faster and more reliable along Southwest 4th Avenue in Downtown Portland, thanks to an ongoing partnership between TriMet and the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT).
TriMet and PBOT teamed up to construct a Rose Lane, which is used by multiple bus lines and the Portland Streetcar, on 4th Avenue from Southwest Sheridan Street to Mill Street.
The Rose Lane, which opened Oct. 31, is easily identifiable by its red color and “bus only” stencil. North of Grant Street, other traffic can turn left from the Rose Lane to access side streets and driveways.
These improvements are part of TriMet’s Better Bus Program. TriMet works with PBOT and other local partners to save transit riders time and keep buses on schedule through the use of transit lanes, signals and other upgrades. Improvements like these make riding TriMet more convenient and benefit the entire transit network!
New bus platform
The bus stop at Southwest 4th Avenue and Hall Street has moved half a block north. It is now located on a platform between the new protected bike and bus lanes and two regular travel lanes. Two TriMet bus lines use this stop: Line 12-Barbur/Sandy Blvd and Line 44-Capitol Hwy/Mocks Crest.
Moving the bus stop was necessary to allow buses in the new bus lane, which is on the left side of 4th Avenue, to pick up and drop off riders.
Previously, buses stopped in the right lane at Hall Street. The new bus platform keeps buses on the left side — and out of the way of northbound traffic.
The bus platform includes a new shelter. Crosswalks connect it to the sidewalks on either side of 4th Avenue.
Other bus lines that use the new transit lane on 4th Avenue include FX2-Division, Line 9-Powell Blvd, Line 17-Holgate/Broadway and Line 19-Woodstock/Glisan. Buses serving those lines turn onto Hall Street, following their normal routes. Line 12 and Line 44 buses use the new bus-only signal to continue north to Mill Street.
Durable new lane
TriMet riders will benefit from the new Rose Lane well into the future.
The Rose Lane was constructed with reinforced concrete, which can stand up to the weight of heavy vehicles.
Thanks to the early partnership between TriMet and PBOT in the design of the 4th Avenue project, the project team was able to consider public transit in the pavement design on the corridor.
While all lanes were repaved, the new Rose Lane is purpose-built to support the many heavy buses using it. This reduces rutting, so all lanes of 4th Avenue stay smooth for decades to come.
Additionally, buses traveling along 4th Avenue now use a series of special signals. Similar to bus-only signals on East Burnside Street, Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard and Southeast Division Street, these signals help buses move around traffic, to get riders to their destination faster.
Safety features
A variety of improvements will make it safer for people walking, biking or using a mobility device to connect with transit along the corridor.
Between Caruthers and West Burnside streets, pedestrian crossings have been added, improved and made more accessible. A signalized pedestrian crossing at Hall Street serves the new bus platform, allowing transit riders to access it from either side of 4th Avenue. Additional marked pedestrian crossings have also been added at Mill and Ankeny streets.
The project updated and repainted streetlights along 4th Avenue, too, so sidewalks and crossings are well-lit at night.
Between Caruthers and Taylor streets, cyclists also now have a protected bike lane on the left side of 4th Avenue. This new bike lane will continue north along 4th Avenue. PBOT plans to open additional segments as construction wraps up in the weeks ahead.
At the intersection of 4th Avenue and Montgomery Street, new electronic signs alert people when the Portland Streetcar is turning. The Portland Streetcar uses the new Rose Lane between Montgomery and Harrison streets, sharing it with TriMet buses.
Improvements like these are important to allow buses, streetcars, autos, and those on foot or bike to share the corridor safely.