Drivers along Interstate 5 in the Wilsonville area may see SMART buses using the shoulders during traffic jams beginning Monday, Nov. 1.
A new program installed by the Oregon Department of Transportation and South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART) hopes to ease congestion and provide more reliable transportation options for bus riders in the area.
The “Bus on Shoulder” project allows SMART buses to use sections of the shoulders along a 2-mile stretch of I-5 between Interstate 205 and Southwest Elligsen Road, in both directions, when traffic speeds drop below 35 mph. This congested area often slows to stop-and-go speeds during high volume traffic times. Bus drivers can choose not to use the shoulder option when weather or other factors warrant it. This program is for SMART buses only.
Map of "Bus on the Shoulder" project area. Courtesy of ODOT
In 2020, ODOT partnered with the Washington Department of Transportation and C-TRAN to implement a similar program across the Glenn Jackson Bridge on I-205.
When buses travel on the shoulder, they may not exceed more than 15 mph faster than slower traffic in the regular lanes, and cannot travel faster than 35 mph. Also, buses must merge into travel lanes at the conclusion of the bus on shoulder segment and will not travel through any on- or off-ramps.
Cars, trucks, and all other non-emergency vehicles must remain on the highway travel lanes at all times and stay off the shoulder except in the case of an emergency or to avoid debris.
Emergency and law enforcement vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and disabled vehicles take priority on the shoulder.
New highway signs, pavement striping, and roadway legends will show up by Monday informing motorists of appropriate shoulder uses.
For more information on SMART bus routes and schedules, visit the website: ridesmart.com/transit
For the latest commuting updates follow us on Twitter: @trafficportland
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October 28, 2021 at 09:28PM
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SMART buses can use shoulders of I-5 near Wilsonville to skirt congestion beginning Monday - OregonLive
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