News Summary
The Portland Bureau of Transportation has launched the construction of two new crosswalks on Southeast 82nd Avenue as part of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project. This initiative aims to enhance pedestrian safety in a high-risk accident area. The first crosswalk will be at Southeast Ramona Street and the second at Southeast Tolman Street. Local community members have shown support for the project while also expressing concerns about potential impacts on business access. The construction is expected to continue until October 2026.
Portland Initiates Construction of New Crosswalks on 82nd Avenue to Improve Pedestrian Safety
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has commenced construction on two new crosswalks along Southeast 82nd Avenue as part of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project. This initiative aims to enhance pedestrian safety in a region noted for its high rates of accidents involving pedestrians.
The first new crosswalk will be located at Southeast 82nd Avenue and Southeast Ramona Street, while the second will be built at 82nd Avenue and Southeast Tolman Street, just a few blocks from the first crosswalk. These additions are part of PBOT’s ongoing efforts to address safety concerns in an area identified as having a significant risk for pedestrian accidents.
Data from PBOT highlights that East Portland has nearly double the pedestrian death rate per capita compared to other neighborhoods within the city. Statistics indicate that 71% of fatal crashes in this region occurred on High Crash Network Streets, a category which includes 82nd Avenue. Over the past nine years, there have been 99 reported pedestrian crashes on 82nd Avenue, resulting in 10 fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for improved crossings.
Community Response to Safety Measures
Local residents have expressed support for the new crosswalk installations. Many feel that such measures should have been enacted sooner to improve safety and prevent accidents. Community members have reported personal experiences of near misses while crossing 82nd Avenue, emphasizing the urgent need for change.
However, some community members have raised concerns that these new crosswalks might complicate access to local businesses, particularly for drivers trying to enter parking lots. Observations of increasing reckless driving behaviors and excessive speeding on 82nd Avenue have also been noted, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to safety that considers both pedestrians and drivers.
Project Timeline and Expectations
Construction of the new crosswalks is projected to last until October 2026. This timeline reflects the extensive work required to enhance pedestrian safety on 82nd Avenue and addresses the need for traffic management to maintain flow while construction is ongoing. PBOT has indicated that drivers should anticipate delays due to the presence of construction crews and equipment along the avenue.
Background Context
The 82nd Avenue Crossing Project aims to reconfigure this vital roadway to be more pedestrian-friendly, contrasting its previous reputation as a barrier to foot traffic. The executive director of Oregon Walks has underscored the importance of creating an inviting environment that promotes walking as a viable means of transportation. Improved safety measures are not only intended to reduce accidents but also to foster a sense of community and connectivity among residents.
As this construction project unfolds, the community’s focus remains on balancing pedestrian safety with the realities of urban driving conditions. The Portland Bureau of Transportation has committed to keeping residents informed as work progresses and encourages feedback from the community regarding safety and accessibility along this critical route.
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Additional Resources
- KPTV: Construction of New Crosswalks Along Portland’s 82nd Avenue Underway
- KGW: Portland 82nd Avenue Improvements
- KGW: 82nd Avenue Transit Project Federal Funding
- Oregon Live: TriMet Gets $630K Grant for Rapid Transit on Portland’s 82nd Avenue
- East Portland News: Pedestrian Struck in 82nd Crosswalk Near Fubonn Shopping Center
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety
- Google Search: Pedestrian Safety Portland
- Google Scholar: Pedestrian Safety Improvements
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pedestrian Safety
- Google News: Portland 82nd Avenue Crosswalks
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