News Summary
The Portland Bureau of Transportation has initiated construction on two new crosswalks along 82nd Avenue to enhance pedestrian safety. This project aims to address the historical hazards faced by pedestrians and cyclists in the area. The crosswalks are part of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project, which is expected to reduce the risk of accidents. Construction will continue until 2026, and local residents have voiced both support and concerns regarding the project’s impact on traffic and access.
Construction of New Crosswalks Begins on Dangerous 82nd Avenue in Portland to Enhance Pedestrian Safety
Portland, OR — The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has launched an important safety initiative along 82nd Avenue, a busy and historically hazardous area for pedestrians. Construction has begun on two new crosswalks designed to improve cross-traffic safety and reduce the risk of accidents for pedestrians and cyclists in the neighborhood.
Details of the New Crosswalk Installations
The first of the two crosswalks will be installed at the intersection of Southeast 82nd Avenue and Southeast Ramona Street. The second will be located a few blocks south at 82nd Avenue and Southeast Tolman Street. These new crosswalks are part of a broader effort known as the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project, aiming to address safety concerns on this heavily traveled roadway.
Projected Timeline and Construction Impact
Construction activities are expected to continue until October 2026. During this period, drivers should anticipate delays and detours, as increased construction crews and equipment will be present along 82nd Avenue. PBOT has advised that these disruptions are temporary measures to facilitate the installation of the new pedestrian crossings and other safety improvements.
Background on Pedestrian Safety Concerns
82nd Avenue has long been recognized as a high-risk corridor for pedestrians and cyclists. Over the past nine years, there have been 99 reported pedestrian crashes on the street, including 10 fatalities. Data indicates that the area experiences a significantly higher pedestrian death rate compared to other parts of Portland, nearly doubling per capita in East Portland.
The city’s transportation department reports that 71% of deadly crashes in this area occurred on streets designated as part of the High Crash Network, a classification that includes 82nd Avenue. These figures underscore the urgency of implementing safety measures that can prevent future accidents and fatalities.
Community Feedback and Local Reactions
Community members have expressed both support and concern regarding the ongoing project. Local resident and cyclist Yuri Feitser has indicated strong backing for the crosswalks, emphasizing that the safety improvements “should have been done sooner” to prevent accidents. Feitser shared a personal experience of nearly being hit while crossing on a bicycle, illustrating the dangers faced regularly by pedestrians and cyclists along 82nd Avenue.
On the other hand, neighbor Paul Ryzhkov, who works at A&A Motor PDX, raised concerns about how the new crosswalks might affect vehicle access to nearby parking lots. He also noted an increase in reckless driving behavior and speeding on 82nd Avenue over recent years, factors that contribute to ongoing safety hazards.
Goals of the Project
Officials involved in the project, including Zachary Lauritzen, Executive Director of Oregon Walks, have highlighted the broader vision behind building these crosswalks. The goal is to transform 82nd Avenue from a barrier that discourages walking into a more inviting and accessible corridor for pedestrians and cyclists. The project aims to foster a safer environment to encourage foot traffic, ultimately improving quality of life and safety for local residents.
Conclusion
The construction of the new crosswalks on 82nd Avenue marks a significant step toward addressing pedestrian safety issues in East Portland. As work progresses, city officials emphasize the importance of patience from drivers and community members to ensure the safety and success of this infrastructure improvement. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to make Portland’s streets safer and more accessible for everyone.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Construction Begins on Liberty Landing Project in New Richmond
Virginia Beach to Improve 17th Street Infrastructure and Safety
Norfolk Begins Construction on Granby Street Bike Lane Project
Major Changes at San Diego International Airport as Terminal 1 Closes
Mooresville Announces Six-Month Closure of Major Lake Norman Intersection
Lawrence’s Downtown Bus Station Project Faces Delays
Virginia Beach Considers New Regulations for E-Bikes
Building Collapse Disrupts Traffic on Main Street in Hopkinton
Vestavia Hills Approves $30 Million Infrastructure Projects
Lane Closures and Construction Projects in Lake Tahoe Region
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
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
