News Summary
The Portland Bureau of Transportation is constructing two new crosswalks on 82nd Avenue to enhance pedestrian safety in an area with a high accident rate. One will be located at Southeast 82nd Avenue and Southeast Ramona Street, and the other at 82nd Avenue and Southeast Tolman Street. Despite support for the project, some community members express concerns about potential impacts on traffic and local businesses. The project is expected to continue until October 2026, with the aim of improving safety for both pedestrians and drivers.
Portland, Oregon – The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has commenced construction on two new crosswalks aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety along the hazardous 82nd Avenue. This effort is part of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project, which addresses the pressing need for improved pedestrian infrastructure in a high-risk area.
The first crosswalk will be positioned 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. These installations are crucial in a neighborhood that has been marked by a significant number of pedestrian-related accidents in recent years.
PBOT’s recent data reveals that East Portland has nearly double the pedestrian death rate per capita compared to other regions within the city. The area is particularly hazardous, with about 71% of fatal crashes occurring on High Crash Network Streets, which prominently includes 82nd Avenue. Over the past nine years, this specific avenue has recorded 99 pedestrian crashes, leading to 10 fatalities.
Community Reactions and Concerns
However, other community members have raised concerns about potential drawbacks. Paul Ryzhkov, a local business employee, pointed out that the new crosswalks may complicate access to his workplace’s parking lot. He has also noted a troubling increase in reckless driving and speeding trends along 82nd Avenue in recent years, which could undermine the safety benefits expected from the crosswalk installations.
Project Timeline and Impact
The construction of the new crosswalks is anticipated to extend until October 2026. During this period, PBOT has indicated that the presence of construction crews and equipment along 82nd Avenue will likely cause significant delays for drivers in the area. The agency aims to mitigate these disruptions, but the work is essential for improving pedestrian safety and enhancing the overall environment for foot traffic.
Background Context
Historically, 82nd Avenue has been identified as a critical corridor within Portland, yet it has also been labeled as one of the city’s most dangerous streets for pedestrians. The high volume of traffic, coupled with inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, has resulted in severe safety concerns. PBOT’s initiatives, such as the current crosswalk project, are part of a broader strategy to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly urban landscape.
Zachary Lauritzen, Executive Director of Oregon Walks, emphasized that the goal of the project is to transform 82nd Avenue from a significant barrier into a more welcoming space for pedestrians. The construction of the two new crosswalks represents a step towards achieving this objective and reducing the alarming accident rates that have plagued the area.
With the anticipated improvements, PBOT hopes to foster a safer environment for both drivers and pedestrians, while addressing the community’s concerns regarding traffic safety on one of Portland’s busiest streets.
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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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