News Summary
Portland begins construction on two new crosswalks along 82nd Avenue, aiming to improve pedestrian safety in a high-traffic area with a troubling accident history. The project addresses the significant pedestrian death rate in East Portland and aims to create safer crossing points. Construction is expected to continue until 2026, with mixed community reactions regarding safety improvements and access concerns.
Construction of New Crosswalks Begins on Dangerous 82nd Avenue in Portland to Enhance Pedestrian Safety
Portland, OR — Construction has started on two new crosswalks along 82nd Avenue as part of an effort to improve pedestrian safety in one of the city’s most accident-prone areas. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) announced the initiation of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project, focusing on making the busy corridor safer for pedestrians and reducing the number of accidents.
Details of the Construction and Locations
The first new crosswalk is being installed at the intersection of Southeast 82nd Avenue and Southeast Ramona Street. A second crosswalk will be situated at 82nd Avenue and Southeast Tolman Street, positioned a few blocks away from the first. The project aims to provide safer crossing points along the high-traffic corridor, which has been identified as a significant risk area for pedestrians.
Construction is set to continue through October 2026, with PBOT reporting that increased construction activity and equipment will likely cause delays for drivers traveling along 82nd Avenue.
Context and Need for Improvements
East Portland, through which 82nd Avenue runs, experiences nearly twice the pedestrian death rate per capita compared with other parts of the city, according to PBOT data. The area has a troubling history of traffic crashes, with 71% of deadly incidents occurring on high crash network streets, including 82nd Avenue.
Over the past nine years, there have been 99 reported pedestrian crashes on this stretch of road, resulting in 10 fatalities. These statistics highlight the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to protect vulnerable road users.
Community Response and Concerns
Local residents have expressed support for the new crosswalks as a necessary safety measure. One resident, Yuri Feitser, noted that the project “should have been done sooner” to prevent accidents and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Feitser also shared a personal experience, recounting a near-miss incident while crossing the street on a bicycle. Such stories underscore the dangers faced by those traveling along 82nd Avenue on foot or bike.
However, not all community members are without concerns. Neighbor Paul Ryzhkov, who works at A&A Motor PDX, voiced worries that the new crosswalks could complicate vehicle access to local parking lots. Additionally, there has been an increase in reckless driving behaviors and speeding along 82nd Avenue in recent years, contributing to the area’s danger profile.
Goals and Future Outlook
According to Zachary Lauritzen, Executive Director of Oregon Walks, the purpose of the project is to transform 82nd Avenue from a barrier to a more inviting space for pedestrians and foot traffic. The improvement efforts aim to reduce accidents and encourage walking as a safe, viable transportation option.
PBOT has emphasized that the construction effort is part of a broader initiative to enhance safety along high-risk streets and make East Portland a safer, more accessible neighborhood for all residents.
Summary
Construction of two new crosswalks on Portland’s 82nd Avenue has begun, with work scheduled to continue through October 2026. The project addresses a critical safety concern, given the high number of crashes and fatalities along this busy corridor, particularly in East Portland. Community members have mixed reactions, supporting safety improvements but raising concerns about access and driving behaviors. PBOT and local leaders aim to make 82nd Avenue safer and more pedestrian-friendly through these infrastructure enhancements, ultimately fostering a safer environment for residents, walkers, and cyclists.
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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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