September 16, 2025

Portland Enhances Pedestrian Safety with New Crosswalks

News Summary

Portland has initiated the construction of two new crosswalks on Southeast 82nd Avenue as part of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project. These efforts aim to improve pedestrian safety in a region known for high traffic accident rates. The crosswalks will be installed at the intersections with Southeast Ramona and Tolman Streets, addressing serious safety concerns reflected in alarming pedestrian crash statistics. Community support for the project is strong, although some residents express worries about potential impacts on vehicle access to local parking lots.

Portland has begun construction on two new crosswalks along Southeast 82nd Avenue, aimed at improving pedestrian safety in an area notorious for traffic accidents. These crosswalks, part of the 82nd Avenue Crossing Project, will be installed at the intersections of Southeast 82nd Avenue with Southeast Ramona Street and Southeast Tolman Street. The project is a response to significant concerns regarding pedestrian safety, as East Portland reports nearly double the pedestrian death rate per capita compared to other parts of the city.

The initiative comes in light of alarming statistics from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), which highlight that 71% of fatal crashes in the area occurred on streets classified as High Crash Network Streets, including 82nd Avenue. Over the past nine years, there have been 99 reported pedestrian crashes along this road, resulting in 10 fatalities, making it a critical area for safety improvements. Local residents have voiced their support for the project, emphasizing the need for safer crossings to prevent potential accidents.

The first crosswalk will be positioned at Southeast Ramona Street, with the second crosswalk located a few blocks away at Southeast Tolman Street. Construction efforts on these installations are projected to continue until October 2026. While the enhancements are aimed at fostering a safer environment for pedestrians, some locals have raised concerns regarding the impact of increased crosswalks on vehicular access to parking lots and traffic flows.

As construction progresses, PBOT has warned that drivers can expect delays due to the presence of construction crews and equipment along 82nd Avenue. Local business owner Paul Ryzhkov, who operates A&A Motor PDX, noted that while he supports improved pedestrian safety, additional crosswalks could complicate access for drivers wanting to enter and exit nearby lots. This concern is compounded by a noted increase in reckless driving behaviors and speeding incidents on 82nd Avenue in recent years, which further complicates the safety of the area.

Community engagement through this project has been robust, with many residents expressing their support. Yuri Feitser, a local resident, reinforced the sentiment that these changes “should have been done sooner” in response to his own experiences with near-miss incidents while biking across the street. Concerns like these reflect the urgent need for remedial measures in a neighborhood frequently faced with pedestrian-related accidents.

Advocates for the project, such as Zachary Lauritzen from Oregon Walks, highlight the aim of the new crosswalks: to transform 82nd Avenue from a perceived pedestrian barrier into a more inviting environment that encourages foot traffic. The objective is not only to increase safety but also to promote a sense of community and accessibility within the area.

The 82nd Avenue Crossing Project represents a proactive approach by city officials to address longstanding safety issues that have plagued the community. By prioritizing pedestrian safety through infrastructure improvements, Portland aims to create a safer urban landscape for all road users, especially pedestrians. The results of this project will be keenly observed by residents and city planners alike, as they hope for a significant reduction in pedestrian accidents and an overall enhancement in the quality of life in East Portland as these changes take shape.

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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER

NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, 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 New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.

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