News Summary
The Portland Bureau of Transportation has initiated the construction of two new crosswalks on 82nd Avenue to enhance pedestrian safety. This project responds to significant safety issues, with the area reporting nearly double the pedestrian death rate compared to other parts of the city. The new crosswalks aim to provide safer crossing options and encourage foot traffic, despite concerns from local businesses regarding access. Community support highlights the importance of improving pedestrian infrastructure to reduce accidents and fatalities, particularly in East Portland.
Portland Initiates Construction of New Crosswalks on 82nd Avenue to Enhance Pedestrian Safety
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has begun construction on two new crosswalks aimed at improving pedestrian safety on 82nd Avenue. These crosswalks are part of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project, developed in response to significant safety concerns in the area. The first crosswalk will be established at the intersection of Southeast 82nd Avenue and Southeast Ramona Street, while the second will be located a few blocks away at 82nd Avenue and Southeast Tolman Street. Construction is anticipated to continue until October 2026.
Local residents have expressed support for the initiative, reflecting a community-wide acknowledgment of the hazardous conditions that exist on 82nd Avenue. East Portland in particular has been highlighted for its concerning rate of pedestrian fatalities, with statistics showing that the area records nearly double the pedestrian death rate per capita compared to other parts of Portland. PBOT reports indicate that 71% of deadly accidents within this vicinity occurred on streets identified as part of the High Crash Network, including 82nd Avenue.
Impact on the Community
The necessity of the project has been underscored by personal accounts from residents, including reported near-miss incidents while crossing. Statistics reveal that over the past nine years, there have been 99 reported pedestrian crashes on 82nd Avenue, resulting in 10 fatalities. Community leaders emphasize that enhancing pedestrian infrastructure not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also encourages foot traffic and active transportation options.
Despite the overall support for the new crosswalks, there are concerns among some local businesses regarding access to their premises. A representative from A&A Motor PDX has voiced apprehensions that the new crosswalks may complicate access to parking for customers. Additionally, there have been observations of increasing reckless driving behaviors and speeding on 82nd Avenue in recent years, which pose further challenges for pedestrian safety.
Project Goals and Expectations
The main objective of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project is to transform 82nd Avenue into a more pedestrian-friendly corridor, counteracting its current perception as a barrier to foot traffic. PBOT’s initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to improve overall safety in high-risk areas of the city. Throughout the construction timeline, the presence of construction crews and equipment is expected to lead to delays for vehicle traffic along 82nd Avenue.
The community’s mixed sentiments underscore the complexity of urban planning, where safety improvements must balance the needs of pedestrians with those of drivers and local businesses. As construction develops, it will remain critical for PBOT to communicate with both community members and motorists to manage expectations and minimize disruptions.
Background on Pedestrian Safety in Portland
Historically, pedestrian safety has been a prevalent issue in Portland, prompting various initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities. The troubling trend along 82nd Avenue is reflective of broader urban concerns regarding traffic safety, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic and limited infrastructure. Through projects like this, PBOT seeks to create safer environments that promote walking and biking, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for residents in East Portland.
The ongoing efforts to enhance pedestrian safety reflect the growing recognition of the need for intentional urban design that prioritizes the safety of all road users. As new crosswalks are constructed on 82nd Avenue, the community remains hopeful that the project will lead to a significant reduction in pedestrian accidents, fostering a safer and more walkable environment for all residents.
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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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