Safer Intersections for Pedestrians

Transportation
Engineering And Design
Upgrades across Portland to improve pedestrian safety at intersections with traffic signals.
People crossing a busy street
Fall 2022 to 2025

What's happening now?

PBOT is improving intersections on a rolling basis now and continuing into 2025.

Planned & Completed Upgrades

More upgrades will be added as they are confirmed

LocationUpgradeStatus
45th Ave. & Multnomah Blvd., SWProtected Left-Turn SignalPlanned (2022-23)
Burnside St. & 60th Ave., EProtected Left-Turn SignalPlanned (2022-23)
Killingsworth St. & 42nd Ave., NEProtected Left-Turn SignalPlanned (2022-23)
96th Ave. & Main St., SEPedestrian Head StartComplete
Alberta St. & 33rd Ave., NEPedestrian Head StartComplete
César E. Chávez Blvd. & Clinton St., SEPedestrian Head StartComplete
Columbia Blvd. & 21st Ave., NEPedestrian Head StartComplete
Foster Rd. & 134th Ave., SEPedestrian Head StartComplete
Foster Rd. & 136th Ave., SEPedestrian Head StartComplete
Sandy Blvd. & 43rd Ave., NEPedestrian Head StartComplete

Project Background

Pie chart showing proportions of pedestrian crashes by location
Crash data indicate that 71 percent of pedestrians are hit at intersections, with 44 percent occurring at intersections with signals. (Data: Oregon Department of Transportation, 2006–2015)

This project is upgrading intersections across Portland using tools proven to help prevent pedestrian crashes.

The project is focusing on intersections with signals because nearly half of pedestrian crashes occur at these locations (see graphic).

We are prioritizing locations with a history of pedestrian crashes, those on the High Crash Network, and areas with relatively high numbers of lower-income individuals or people of color.

This project will include:

  • Pedestrian head starts that provide a "WALK" signal seconds before a green light
  • Accessible Pedestrian Systems at more locations with pedestrian head starts to help people with limited vision cross streets safely 
  • Protected left-turn signals that separate left-turning drivers from people in crosswalks

Project Funding

$800,000 from Fixing Our Streets

Map