City council funds improvements to 82nd Avenue

City council funds improvements to 82nd Avenue

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Story Published: Feb 20, 2008 at 3:16 PM PDT

Story Updated: Feb 20, 2008 at 3:18 PM PDT

By Nick Winkler and KATU Web Staff

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PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland City Council has unanimously approved a measure to make improvements along 82nd Avenue in Portland.

The improvements include raising curb heights, improved crosswalk striping, curb ramps and the installation of islands in the median of the busy thoroughfare.

The project area stretches for seven miles along 82nd Avenue from Killingsworth Street in northeast Portland to Clatsop Street in the southeast part of the city.

The project is being called the "Avenue of Roses" and the initial cost is $500,000, but planners hope more funding will be allocated in the future for even larger-scale improvements.

Planners hope more sidewalk space and improved safety measures will boost walking traffic along the street, which is notorious in Portland.

82nd Avenue has the highest rate of traffic accidents, including fatal accidents, in Portland. In the past nine years, there have been over 3,700 crashes on the busy roadway, which begins near the Portland airport and runs all the way to the Clackamas area.

In the 1970s and 1980s, 82nd Avenue was a major cruising destination for young people until police cracked down on the activity after complaints about crime and gridlocked traffic.

There are also ongoing issues involving prostitution along 82nd Avenue.

The section of the street targeted for improvement is lined with strip clubs, car dealerships, restaurants, small businesses, schools and some private residences.

Portland Police Commander Mike Crebs said he thinks more foot traffic along the road will drive away some of the criminal element.

Planners hope to install 3,000 feet of new sidewalk and other plans include the possible installation of red-light cameras along the route.

Work is scheduled to begin this spring.

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