Transit Upgrades Underway Near Portland's Incoming James Beard Public Market

Improvements aim to create a 'comfortable, high-capacity front door' for the new food hall's visitors.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:55pm by

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a busy urban transit hub, with blurred shapes and muted colors suggesting the movement and energy of pedestrians and vehicles.As Portland prepares for the opening of its new James Beard Public Market, the city is investing in transit upgrades to make it easier for visitors to access the downtown food hall.Portland Today

Ahead of the opening of the James Beard Public Market in Portland, Oregon, the city's transportation agency is working to upgrade transit stops and infrastructure in the surrounding area. The upgrades include replacing temporary asphalt stops with concrete curb extensions, refurbishing transit shelters, and improving lighting and weather protection for visitors. The construction is expected to be completed by mid-August, though residents should expect some noise and potential delays during the work.

Why it matters

The James Beard Public Market is a highly anticipated new food hall project that is expected to increase foot traffic and foot traffic in downtown Portland. The transit upgrades are aimed at making it easier for people to access the market and move around the area, which city officials see as crucial to supporting the market's success and the overall revitalization of the downtown area.

The details

Starting on April 21, crews will begin upgrading TriMet's Line 15 stop on Southwest Alder Street at 10th Avenue, with additional work on another Alder Street stop at 6th Avenue planned for later in May. The upgrades will replace the temporary asphalt stops with durable concrete curb extensions and refurbished transit shelters that will improve lighting and weather protection for visitors. While one lane of Alder Street will remain open during construction, residents should expect some noise and potential delays, especially during morning and evening commutes.

  • Construction on the TriMet Line 15 stop at SW Alder Street and 10th Avenue will begin on April 21, 2026.
  • Work on the Alder Street stop at 6th Avenue is planned to start in May 2026.
  • Construction is projected to be complete by mid-August 2026.

The players

Priya Dhanapal

Deputy City Administrator for Public Works in Portland, Oregon.

Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT)

The city agency responsible for managing transportation infrastructure and services in Portland.

TriMet

The regional public transportation agency serving the Portland metropolitan area.

James Beard Public Market

A new food hall project slated to open in downtown Portland in early 2027.

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What they’re saying

“Downtown's comeback depends on how easy it is for people to get here and move around.”

— Priya Dhanapal, Deputy City Administrator for Public Works

What’s next

The transit upgrades are expected to be completed by mid-August 2026, ahead of the planned opening of the James Beard Public Market in early 2027.

The takeaway

The transit improvements around the incoming James Beard Public Market highlight the city's efforts to make it easier for people to access and move around downtown Portland, which officials see as crucial to supporting the success of the new food hall and the broader revitalization of the city center.