News Summary
Portland has initiated the construction of two new crosswalks on 82nd Avenue to enhance pedestrian safety, part of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project by PBOT. The project responds to alarming pedestrian crash statistics in East Portland, aiming to make the road safer for foot traffic. While community support is strong, some concerns about vehicle access to local businesses persist. Construction is expected to continue until 2026, prioritizing pedestrian safety in a historically dangerous area.
Portland has officially commenced construction on two new crosswalks aimed at improving pedestrian safety on the perilous 82nd Avenue, as part of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project initiated by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). The first crosswalk will be situated at Southeast 82nd Avenue and Southeast Ramona Street. The second will be located a few blocks away at 82nd Avenue and Southeast Tolman Street.
The need for improved pedestrian infrastructure is underscored by alarming statistics from PBOT, which reveal that East Portland has nearly double the pedestrian death rate per capita compared to the rest of the city. A staggering 71% of deadly crashes in this area have occurred on High Crash Network Streets, including 82nd Avenue. Over the past nine years, the avenue has recorded 99 pedestrian crashes, resulting in 10 fatalities.
Local residents have expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing that it is essential for enhancing safety for pedestrians. One nearby resident recounted a personal experience of narrowly avoiding an accident while crossing on a bicycle. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for better crossings and traffic safety measures in the area.
While there is overall community support for the project, some residents have voiced concerns regarding potential impacts on vehicle access to local businesses. A neighbor who works at a local motor shop noted that the new crosswalks may complicate parking lot access for drivers. Moreover, he pointed out a noticeable increase in reckless driving behaviors and speeding on 82nd Avenue over the past few years, raising further concerns about safety.
The 82nd Avenue Crossing Project is not only designed to improve safety but aims to make the area more pedestrian-friendly. According to local advocacy groups, the initiative will help transform 82nd Avenue from a barrier into a more inviting space for foot traffic, encouraging community engagement and accessibility.
Construction operations for the crosswalks are anticipated to continue until October 2026. As the project progresses, PBOT has alerted residents and commuters that the presence of construction crews and equipment will likely result in delays for drivers navigating the area. Safety for pedestrians is the priority for PBOT as they implement these important changes to the traffic landscape of 82nd Avenue, which has long been regarded as a dangerous road for foot traffic.
This construction initiative forms part of a broader strategy by PBOT to enhance safety measures across the city, particularly in neighborhoods that historically struggle with pedestrian safety issues. Despite concerns from some local vehicle drivers, the general sentiment among community members leans toward support for any measures that can reduce the risk of pedestrian injuries and fatalities on this heavily trafficked thoroughfare.
PBOT continues to call for community engagement and feedback as the project evolves, underscoring the importance of public input in shaping safe and accessible urban environments. With ongoing discussions and developments, the construction of the new crosswalks represents a significant step toward improving pedestrian safety on one of Portland’s busiest roads.
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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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