Residents near Union Station in Portland face significant barriers due to ongoing elevator failures at the pedestrian footbridge connecting the waterfront to downtown. The east-side elevator has been out of service for nearly two years, while the west-side lift became inoperable in January 2023 due to reported vandalism. As a result, individuals who rely on step-free access are navigating increasingly difficult conditions when attempting to complete everyday tasks.
According to a report from KGW, many residents along NW Naito Parkway have expressed frustration about the lack of accessibility. The closures have made it challenging to run errands, access public transport, and attend medical appointments. Some residents even described instances where individuals in wheelchairs had to be physically carried down stairs to reach street level, highlighting the urgent need for functional elevators.
Accountability and Repairs
The operational responsibility for the elevators lies with Union Station B, LLC, a privately held entity. This connection to the property has raised questions about the management of public access points. According to public filings and investor records, the Union Station parcels at 901 NW Naito Parkway are controlled by DBG Properties. Despite assurances from Prosper Portland and property managers regarding ongoing repairs, no definitive timeline for when the elevators will be operational has been provided.
In the meantime, residents are employing various methods to reach essential services. Many have resorted to relying on friends for rides, paying for taxis, or undertaking lengthy detours just to access grocery stores or medical facilities. The situation is compounded by proposed budget cuts from TriMet, which may eliminate Route 16, further isolating the community.
Future Developments and Community Concerns
Advocates for accessibility emphasize the severe impact that elevator outages have on individuals with mobility challenges. The lack of functional elevators means that residents are not only facing longer travel times but also increased costs and a loss of independence. Until both lifts are repaired, residents fear that they will continue to rely on makeshift solutions that are unsustainable in the long term.
The city is progressing with longer-term plans for safe crossings and improved access along NW Naito, including the Flanders Connector project. This initiative aims to enhance pedestrian and cycling access in the area, as detailed on the Portland Bureau of Transportation project page. However, these improvements do not address the immediate needs of residents struggling with current elevator outages.
Community members are calling for clear communication regarding repair timelines, temporary accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and better collaboration between the private owners and city officials. Currently, there has been no public schedule or commitment that addresses these requests, leaving many residents feeling overlooked as they navigate daily life under the shadow of a bridge that remains largely out of reach.
