Portland, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Portland is launching the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project to install two new crosswalks on Southeast 82nd Avenue, aiming to enhance pedestrian safety in a high-risk area. The initiative by the Portland Bureau of Transportation responds to alarming statistics showing East Portland’s pedestrian death rate is nearly double that of other parts of the city. Construction is expected to continue until October 2026, and local community feedback is a mix of support and concern regarding the impact of these changes on traffic and pedestrian safety.
Portland has begun work on two new crosswalks along Southeast 82nd Avenue as part of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project, aimed at improving pedestrian safety in an area with a high incidence of traffic-related fatalities. The first crosswalk will be installed at the intersection of Southeast 82nd Avenue and Southeast Ramona Street, while the second will be situated at the intersection of Southeast 82nd Avenue and Southeast Tolman Street, located just a few blocks from the first.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) launched this initiative in response to alarming statistics indicating that East Portland has nearly double the pedestrian death rate per capita compared to other regions of the city. PBOT’s reports reveal that 71% of fatal crashes in this area occurred on designated High Crash Network Streets, which include 82nd Avenue. In the past nine years, there have been 99 reported pedestrian crashes along this stretch of road, resulting in 10 fatalities.
Local residents have expressed both support and concern regarding the project. Notably, one resident highlighted that the enhancements “should have been done sooner” to prevent accidents, pointing to personal experiences that underline the risks of crossing the street, particularly for bicyclists. Another neighbor, who is employed at a local business, voiced worries that the addition of new crosswalks could impede drivers’ access to parking lots, especially in light of the increasing instances of reckless driving and speeding observed along 82nd Avenue in recent years.
The construction work on the new crosswalks is anticipated to continue until October 2026. As the project progresses, PBOT has cautioned that the presence of additional construction crews and equipment will lead to expected delays for drivers traveling along 82nd Avenue.
Safety Concerns and Community Impact
The safety initiative comes as part of a broader effort to make 82nd Avenue a more pedestrian-friendly environment. Advocates for pedestrian safety emphasize that these upgrades will help transform one of Portland’s most perilous streets into an area conducive to foot traffic rather than a barrier to it. The community has been vocal about the changes, reflecting a mix of enthusiasm and caution about the outcomes.
Future Prospects
As construction progresses in the coming years, both PBOT and local community members will be monitoring the impact of the new crosswalks on pedestrian injuries and fatalities. The hope is that improved infrastructure will not only facilitate safer crossings but also encourage more residents to walk rather than drive in the area, ultimately enhancing the overall safety and accessibility of Southeast 82nd Avenue.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | 82nd Avenue Crossing Project |
| Location of Crosswalks | Southeast 82nd Avenue and Southeast Ramona Street, Southeast 82nd Avenue and Southeast Tolman Street |
| Construction Duration | Until October 2026 |
| Historical Data | 99 pedestrian crashes in 9 years; 10 fatalities |
| Community Feedback | Support and concerns from local residents |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new crosswalks on 82nd Avenue?
The new crosswalks are being constructed to enhance pedestrian safety along a road that has a high incidence of pedestrian-related accidents.
When is the construction expected to be completed?
Construction on the new crosswalks is expected to continue until October 2026.
Are there any expected disruptions during the construction?
Yes, the presence of construction crews and equipment will result in delays for drivers along 82nd Avenue.
Why was 82nd Avenue identified for this project?
82nd Avenue was chosen because it has a significantly high pedestrian death rate and a history of frequent pedestrian crashes.
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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 PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa 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 Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
