Gorge and Mt. hood
Park and Ride Assessment
The Gorge and Mt. Hood Park-and-Ride Assessment is a Portland State University MURP workshop project led by six graduate students in the Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) program, Urban Wild Planning (UWP). Click here to learn more about the program and the MURP workshop process. The project is led by the Project Management Team, which consists of UWP, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD).
Project Background
The purpose of the project is to develop a regional vision for park-and-ride facilities to increase and improve the park-and-ride system that serves the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood region. The project will focus on the I-84, US 26, and OR 35 corridors, with a particular focus on underserved communities with limited access to the area. The intention of these park-and-rides is to help be one of the many strategies to improve access for people who work and play in the region.
Why IS This Project NEEDED?
Congestion – The region can experience crippling congestion during peak travel times in the summer (Gorge) and winter (Mt. Hood) months. This negatively impacts users' experience and places an unfair burden on local communities while also contributing to GHG emissions and lower air quality.
Limited Parking – The region has a limited parking supply, which is insufficient to meet the travel demand for these popular destinations. To preserve our natural spaces, alternative approaches to building more parking need to be implemented.
Safety – A limited parking supply results in parking behavior that can result in unsafe conditions for road users. Additionally, inclement weather and ill-equipped drivers contribute to the majority of crashes in the area.
Inclusion and Access – The benefits of recreation and open spaces should be accessible to all. As a way to reduce some of these barriers to accessibility, a transportation system must provide affordable, reliable, and convenient travel options.
PROJECT GOALS AND STUDY AREA
Through reviewing prior planning efforts and the strategic goals of project partners throughout the region, UWP developed five goals that will guide the planning process for the Gorge and Mt. Hood Regional Park-and-Ride Assessment.
PROJECT TEAM STRUCTURE
As a project that spans a large geographic area, the Gorge and Mt. Hood Park-and-Ride Assessment will incorporate many layers of engagement to achieve the goals and desired outcomes set at the beginning of this project. The Project Management Team, which consists of UWP, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), will lead the project's overall logistical coordination, and the Steering Committee will serve as an advisory body to guide and direct the process to completion.
PROJECT TIMELINE
This project will run throughout the duration of PSU's Winter and Spring terms (January - June) and will consist of five major phases. Each phase will help inform the UWP team's final deliverables, which include a visionary and concise presentation at the project's final 'Summit Event' and a written report that will aim to inspire partners and stakeholders throughout the region to implement park-and-ride facilities in their communities.
Key DAtes and MIleStones
See the calendar to the right for all the project's important dates and milestones.
As the project team completes the various tasks and deliverables, we will periodically update the project website with meeting notes and materials. You can find these updates and material on the 'Project Documents' page located on the menu bar above.
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