Dump trucks, tractors, and shovels aren’t the only things shaking at North Denver Avenue and McClellan Street. 

Traffic director Traci Olson has stylishly eased traffic through the intersection over the past several months as the Kenton streetscape project has been digging deep into the heart of the business community.

But calling it traffic directing doesn’t do justice to the infectious grooves and smiles Olson adds to the job.

She dances and spins around. She shoots drivers a thumbs-up, swirls and curves, and bows and sweeps traffic through, all with a sparkling smile.

“Come on, ladies,” Olson welcomes the elderly women crossing the street. 

“Second part of the hill isn’t half that bad, now is it?” she says, cheering on a man in a wheelchair.

Pedestrians, construction vehicles, and regular car traffic get equal treatment. “Come on through, honey!” Olson said as she danced her directions to a man wheeling a keg across the street.

All this groovin’ isn’t just for fun, according to Olson.

“If I dance around,” she says, “folks are more likely to see me.”

The streetscape project was originally due to be completed in January, but delays have pushed it back at least a month. 

Across from Olson, work on the Kenton Library is also finishing up, and opening ceremonies are tentatively scheduled for March.  Come spring, downtown Kenton should be a whole new place. 

In the meantime, Olson will keep on dancing. What’s her inspiration?

“I’m just happy to be working,” says Olson.  “This is the first steady work I’ve had in seven months.” Since she’s no stranger to hard times, Olson does what she can to brighten Portlanders’ gloomy days.

“I just try to give ’em some love and keep it flowing. It’s all about love and safety.”