Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici, have announced $9.6 million in new federal funding to enhance safety along 82nd Avenue, one of Portland’s most dangerous corridors. The grant, provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All program, comes as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The funds will be used to make essential safety improvements on a seven-mile stretch of 82nd Avenue, a busy and complex corridor on Portland’s east side that has long been a high-crash zone. The City of Portland will implement a range of upgrades designed to reduce accidents, particularly involving pedestrians and cyclists, who are most at risk along this roadway.
“Whether Oregonians are walking, biking, or driving, they deserve safe streets in their neighborhoods to get where they need to go,” said Senator Merkley. “Congressman Blumenauer has been unwavering in his mission to improve 82nd Avenue and the lives of many families and communities of color who call neighborhoods along this busy corridor in Portland home. I will keep working alongside him and the Oregon delegation to deliver federal funding for safety improvements like this that will help reduce crashes and save lives.”
The corridor’s current design features narrow sidewalks, multiple lanes of vehicle traffic, and high speeds, particularly at night, making it hazardous for pedestrians and bicyclists. According to city data, most fatalities in the seven-mile stretch between 2017 and 2021 occurred when pedestrians or cyclists attempted to cross at unsignalized intersections or mid-block locations.
“Portlanders living and working on and around 82nd Avenue must be able to count on safe travel along this major transportation artery,” said Senator Wyden. “I’m glad the teamwork with the metro delegation, led by Congressman Blumenauer, has generated these additional federal funds to improve quality of life and traffic safety on Portland’s east side.”
The federal funding will allow Portland to implement a variety of proven safety measures. Plans include installing raised center medians, pedestrian signals, full traffic signals, and “no turn on red” signage at major intersections. The grant will also fund safety education and marketing campaigns aimed at reducing crashes and educating the public about safe behaviors. Additional measures include conducting road safety audits and systemwide analyses to further identify ways to reduce accidents.
“This is another solid accomplishment for our vision to redefine 82nd Avenue from an eyesore to an icon,” said Congressman Blumenauer. “This investment will make it safer and more efficient, unlock development opportunities, and improve wealth for the surrounding community. It is a remarkable success already and a testament to our strategy of relentlessly looking for opportunities that propel our city forward. Money well spent.”
The upgrades to 82nd Avenue will also focus on enhancing accessibility for all users, from pedestrians to cyclists and drivers. The safety enhancements are part of Portland’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on city streets by 2025. Mayor Ted Wheeler expressed gratitude for the federal investment and emphasized the project’s alignment with the city’s long-term goals.
“We are grateful to the Biden Administration and our Congressional delegation for these investments toward a safer system for everyone traveling in Portland,” Mayor Wheeler said. “This Safe Streets for All grant affirms Portland’s sustained commitment to Vision Zero and will help us continue our work to eliminate traffic deaths. The grant will allow us to improve pedestrian crossings and add other safety elements on 82nd Avenue, as well as investigate safety needs on other important civic corridors in the city.”
The grant marks a significant milestone in Portland’s ongoing efforts to address traffic safety on one of its most dangerous streets, where crash rates have disproportionately affected low-income communities and communities of color. The improvements are expected to reduce fatalities and injuries while also improving connectivity and accessibility in the neighborhoods surrounding 82nd Avenue.
“Making 82nd Avenue safer will save lives, improve accessibility, and strengthen the surrounding community,” said Representative Bonamici. “I’m grateful for this sizeable investment to improve a dangerous corridor, making it more workable for all users, including pedestrians. Congressman Blumenauer’s dedication to the people who live in this area has been instrumental in our efforts to secure this funding.”
The project is not only aimed at improving traffic safety but also at unlocking the economic potential of the area. Blumenauer and other city leaders see these improvements as an opportunity to revitalize 82nd Avenue, making it a more desirable location for businesses and increasing overall quality of life for residents.
In addition to the safety infrastructure, the funding will support planning efforts for other high-crash corridors in Portland. These efforts include road safety audits and developing roadway design alternatives, helping the City build comprehensive safety action plans that can be applied across multiple dangerous streets.
“This investment in 82nd Avenue is about more than just safety; it’s about equity, opportunity, and building a future for all Portlanders,” added Mayor Wheeler. “We are particularly thankful to Congressman Blumenauer for his steadfast support of safety improvements on 82nd Avenue and neighborhoods throughout Portland.”
As the City of Portland begins to implement these upgrades, federal and local officials are optimistic that the improvements will lead to a safer and more vibrant 82nd Avenue—one that better serves the needs of all its users.
