News Summary
The Portland Bureau of Transportation has started construction on two new crosswalks along 82nd Avenue to enhance pedestrian safety. The initiative responds to rising pedestrian accident rates, with data indicating East Portland faces nearly double the pedestrian death rate per capita. Local residents express mixed feelings, with some emphasizing the need for safety improvements while others raise concerns about driving conditions during construction. The project aims to transform 82nd Avenue into a more pedestrian-friendly area, part of efforts to significantly reduce accidents and fatalities.
Portland, Oregon – The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has commenced construction on two new crosswalks aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety along the dangerous stretch of 82nd Avenue. These crosswalks are part of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project, a response to escalating concerns about pedestrian safety in the area, which has a notably high incidence of accidents.
The first crosswalk will be positioned at the intersection of Southeast 82nd Avenue and Southeast Ramona Street, while the second crosswalk will be located just a few blocks away at Southeast Tolman Street. The construction is scheduled to continue until October 2026, with PBOT advising that the presence of additional construction crews and equipment will likely cause delays for drivers along 82nd Avenue.
Data from PBOT indicates that East Portland has nearly double the pedestrian death rate per capita compared to other neighborhoods within the city. Alarmingly, 71% of deadly crashes in this area occurred on designated High Crash Network Streets, including the heavily trafficked 82nd Avenue. Over the past nine years, reports have shown a total of 99 pedestrian crashes on 82nd Avenue, leading to 10 fatalities.
Local resident Yuri Feitser has voiced strong support for the new crosswalks, emphasizing that such measures “should have been done sooner” to avert potential accidents. He also mentioned experiencing a near-miss while cycling through the area, highlighting the dangers faced by pedestrians and cyclists alike on this busy road.
However, not all local residents are entirely in favor of the project. Paul Ryzhkov, who works at A&A Motor PDX, expressed concerns regarding the potential impact the new crosswalks may have on drivers accessing local parking lots. He pointed to a noticeable increase in reckless driving behavior and speeding on 82nd Avenue in recent years, raising questions about the balance between pedestrian safety and driver convenience.
As part of a broader initiative to improve the area, Zachary Lauritzen, Executive Director of Oregon Walks, noted the significance of making 82nd Avenue more inviting for foot traffic. The hope is to transform 82nd Avenue from a perceived barrier into a more accessible space for pedestrians, thus encouraging walking and reducing the reliance on vehicles.
Pedestrian safety has become an urgent priority in Portland, especially with rising concerns regarding roadway safety. The city’s officials aim to implement infrastructural changes that address high-risk areas effectively. The measure of constructing crosswalks is just one facet of an ongoing effort to decrease pedestrian accidents and fatalities across the city.
As the construction progresses, residents and commuters are advised to remain vigilant while navigating the area and to expect potential delays due to construction activities. The PBOT encourages community engagement and feedback as these changes take place, promoting a dialogue around safety and accessibility for all road users.
The initiation of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project marks a crucial step towards improving pedestrian safety in a neighborhood that has long faced challenges related to traffic hazards. The expectation is that the introduction of new crosswalks will significantly lower the risks posed to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.
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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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