So I've got a new office location I'm commuting to these days.  It is an interesting commute, which takes me through the city center and down Macadam.

Eventually I suppose this route will be much easier with the Streetcar.  Maybe.

It will also be - if they ever get it going - the first streetcar route that will be move at a relatively high speed (10-20mph average maybe?).  The only crux is, what are they going to do for the streetcars to reach over 30mph or will they?  The streetcars currently won't achieve anything over that speed.  The route I'm of course writing about is the South Waterfront to Lake Oswego.

The route will definitely have some very awe inspiring elements, mainly because of the right of way, but also because of the unique nature of the neighborhoods and such that are squished between the Willamette and the mountain.  There are already tons of businesses and such that could prospectively increase business with such a route also, there is however one problem that is even bigger than the others I just stated.  Which is what the title of this entry truly hits at.

Macadam

Macadam is disgusting for any advancement of quality of life.  It is not much more than a primary thoroughfare and it does that horribly.  The route is anti-pedestrian, anti transit, and in some ways, anti-business.

The parking is in direct conflict with the business space, the low density nature of the area causes what transit that travels the area to be less frequent and less demanded.  Overall the area is stuck in a crux.

When the streetcar is extended to the area (if it is) how will it improve the area?  Macadam will act almost as a barrier to a vast number of the businesses along the route.  As I stated before, Macadam is VERY anti pedestrian.  If someone thinks Burnside is bad, take a stroll down Macadam.  It is noisy, often pervaded with fumes from the heavy traffic, and the traffic travels fast exceeding 30mph regularly.  There are very few places to pass under light protection and risking to cross anywhere else is almost a death wish.

My current trip down Macadam isn't all that bad, but I can't help but think what it "could be".  My current route takes me via Portland Streetcar or the #17 to Harrison & 1st where I switch to either the #43 or the #35.  Both buses get me where I need to be equally fast, but I must say the #43 is a much better and entertaining ride.

I hope this area can be improved and brought to the level it could be.  I hope that Macadam could be broken up or calmed in some way to make it more livable and safe.  I hope that the local businesses can improve by making Macadam a more tolerable street.

With the South Waterfront continuing to move forward slowly but steadily I can imagine that by inference the southern reaches will begin to change too.  Here's to good fortunes and a good connected area - cheers.