Portland, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The city of Portland has commenced construction on two new crosswalks along 82nd Avenue to enhance pedestrian safety, prompted by alarming crash statistics. The initiative aims to address the area’s nearly double pedestrian death rate compared to other city parts. Local residents have shown both support and concern over the project’s impact on traffic and parking. Scheduled for completion by October 2026, this safety-focused infrastructure aims to transform 82nd Avenue into a more pedestrian-friendly corridor.
Portland has begun construction on two new crosswalks on 82nd Avenue, as part of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project. This initiative is driven by safety concerns, particularly in an area that experiences nearly double the pedestrian death rate compared to other parts of the city. The first crosswalk is being installed 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. The construction is part of ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety in East Portland, where the streets have become increasingly dangerous for foot traffic.
According to the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), 71% of deadly traffic crashes in the area occurred on High Crash Network Streets, including 82nd Avenue. Over the past nine years, there have been 99 reported pedestrian crashes on this busy road, resulting in 10 fatalities. Local resident Yuri Feitser has voiced support for the crosswalk project, emphasizing the urgency of such safety measures to prevent future accidents. Feitser himself experienced a near-miss while crossing the street on a bike, underscoring the necessity of enhanced pedestrian safety features.
Concerns regarding the impact of the new crosswalks have also been raised by some community members. Paul Ryzhkov, a local resident and employee at A&A Motor PDX, worries that the addition of crosswalks could complicate access to parking for drivers. He has observed increasing reckless driving behaviors and speeding on 82nd Avenue, attributing this trend to a growing disregard for pedestrian safety.
The presence of construction crews and equipment along 82nd Avenue is expected to cause delays for drivers throughout the construction period, which is anticipated to continue until October 2026. PBOT aims to make 82nd Avenue a more inviting area for foot traffic, effectively transforming it from a barrier into a more pedestrian-friendly corridor. This project aims not only to improve safety but also to encourage more people to walk in the area, thus fostering a healthier and more connected community.
Project Details
- Project Name: 82nd Avenue Crossing Project
- Location of Crosswalks: Southeast Ramona Street and Southeast Tolman Street
- Expected Completion: October 2026
- Previous Pedestrian Crashes: 99 reported incidents over the last nine years
- Fatalities: 10 fatalities in the past nine years
- Pedestrian Death Rate: Nearly double that of other parts of Portland
Background Context
Over the years, East Portland has been recognized as having particular safety challenges for pedestrians. The area’s traffic dynamics, combined with increasing vehicle speeds and recklessness, have prompted local authorities to take action to improve safety. The planned crosswalks are part of a broader strategy by PBOT to reduce accidents and make walking a safer option for community members. These measures aim to enhance the livability of the area, making it more appealing for residents and visitors alike.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project?
The project aims to enhance pedestrian safety by installing two new crosswalks on 82nd Avenue, a location notorious for high pedestrian crash rates.
When is the construction expected to be completed?
Construction on the new crosswalks is expected to continue until October 2026.
What safety statistics prompted this project?
East Portland has nearly double the pedestrian death rate compared to other parts of the city, with 99 recorded pedestrian crashes on 82nd Avenue over the last nine years, resulting in 10 fatalities.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Crosswalks | Two crosswalks added at key intersections on 82nd Avenue to improve pedestrian safety. |
| Construction Timeline | Ongoing until October 2026, with expected delays for drivers. |
| Safety Improvements | New infrastructure aims to reduce accidents and encourage walking in the area. |
| Community Impact | Aims to transform 82nd Avenue into a more pedestrian-friendly corridor. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
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