News Summary
The Portland Bureau of Transportation has begun construction on two new crosswalks along 82nd Avenue to address high pedestrian crash rates and enhance safety. Located at Southeast Ramona Street and Southeast Tolman Street, these improvements aim to create safer crossing options for pedestrians. Despite community support, some residents express concerns about potential impacts on local business access. The project is part of a broader effort to make 82nd Avenue more pedestrian-friendly and is expected to continue until October 2026, with traffic disruptions anticipated during construction.
Construction of New Crosswalks Begins on Dangerous 82nd Avenue in Portland to Enhance Pedestrian Safety
Portland, OR — The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has started construction on two new crosswalks along 82nd Avenue as part of the ongoing 82nd Avenue Crossing Project. The initiative aims to improve pedestrian safety on a stretch of road known for high crash rates and safety concerns.
Details of the New Crosswalks
The first new crosswalk will be installed at the intersection of Southeast 82nd Avenue and Southeast Ramona Street. The second will be located at 82nd Avenue and Southeast Tolman Street, which is a few blocks from the first crossing. These enhancements are intended to provide safer crossing options for pedestrians and reduce the risk of accidents.
Background: Traffic Safety Concerns on 82nd Avenue
East Portland, where 82nd Avenue runs through, experiences nearly twice the per capita pedestrian death rate compared to other parts of Portland. According to PBOT, 71% of deadly crashes in this area have occurred on High Crash Network Streets—a designation that includes 82nd Avenue. Over the past nine years, there have been 99 reported pedestrian crashes, resulting in 10 fatalities.
The high number of crashes highlights the area’s dangerous history for pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists alike. Officials and community members have emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements to address these safety issues.
Community Reactions and Personal Accounts
Many residents welcome the new crosswalks, viewing them as overdue measures that could have prevented past accidents. One local resident noted that the safety updates “should have been done sooner,” to better protect those crossing the street. Another individual recounted a personal near-miss incident while biking across 82nd Avenue, illustrating the daily hazards faced by pedestrians and cyclists.
However, some community members have expressed concerns about potential drawbacks. A neighbor, who works at a local business near 82nd Avenue, raised worries that the new crosswalks might complicate access to parking lots, potentially impacting business and local traffic flow.
Traffic Patterns and Safety Challenges
Over recent years, authorities have observed increasing reckless driving behaviors along 82nd Avenue, including speeding and aggressive driving. These patterns have contributed to the roadway’s reputation as a challenging corridor for pedestrians and motorists alike.
Transport officials note that safety improvements are part of a broader strategy to make 82nd Avenue more pedestrian-friendly and less of a barrier for foot traffic. The project’s goal is to foster a safer environment that encourages walking and cycling, integrating infrastructure upgrades into the existing urban fabric.
Project Timeline and Traffic Implications
The construction of the new crosswalks is expected to continue until October 2026. During this period, PBOT has announced that the presence of construction crews and equipment along 82nd Avenue will cause expected delays for drivers. Traffic management measures will be in place to help mitigate disruption, but motorists should anticipate some congestion in the project area.
Local residents and commuters are advised to plan for increased travel times and remain alert to changing traffic conditions during the construction period.
Looking Forward
The 82nd Avenue Crossing Project reflects Portland’s commitment to improving pedestrian safety on one of its most heavily trafficked streets. By installing safer crosswalks and addressing high crash rates, authorities aim to reduce accidents and make the corridor safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
Officials emphasize that ongoing infrastructure improvements are vital steps toward making East Portland a more accessible and secure community for everyone.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Construction Begins on Liberty Landing Development in New Richmond
Norfolk Begins Construction on Granby Street Bike Lane Project
Major Changes Coming to San Diego International Airport
Mooresville Closes Major Intersection for Road Widening
Lawrence Downtown Bus Station Construction Delayed
Marshall Construction Projects Encounter Paving Delays
Building Collapse Disrupts Traffic in Hopkinton
Vestavia Hills Approves Major Athletic and Infrastructure Projects
Lane Closures on Tryon Road for Emergency Sewer Repairs
Lake Tahoe Region Faces Upcoming Lane Closures and Construction
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 RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
