About
We improved safety for people walking, biking or rolling at the existing crosswalk east of the intersection of U.S. 26 (SE Powell Boulevard) and SE 36th Avenue.
We upgraded the previously unsignalized crosswalk on SE Powell Boulevard at SE 36th Avenue and installed a new pedestrian activated beacon, also known as a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon, or RRFB. The existing crosswalk is located on SE Powell Boulevard along a busy, 30 mile-per-hour corridor at SE 36th Avenue. The nearest signalized intersection and pedestrian-activated crossing are located ¼ mile away. The corridor serves TriMet bus #9 and is one of the most utilized transit lines in the region.
Additional related work includes new lighting, high visibility striping on SE Powell Boulevard at the new crossing and upgrades two, existing sidewalk curb ramps on the north and south ends of the new RRFB to meet ADA requirements.
Left turns are permanently restricted for vehicles turning from southbound 36th Avenue onto SE Powell Boulevard. Restricting left turns onto SE Powell Boulevard increases safety by protecting people crossing the new crosswalk.
About Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, known as pedestrian activated beacons or RRFBs, use flashing yellow lights to alert drivers that someone is crossing the street. Pedestrians activate the flashing beacons with the press of a button. When not in use, the flashing beacons are dark.
We install RRFBs at specific crossings with high pedestrian and vehicle traffic because they can reduce crashes by as much as 47 percent, according to the Federal Highway Administration. RRFBs are a critical part of our efforts to maintain a modern and safe transportation system.
Pictured above: completed Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crossing at 36th Avenue and Powell Boulevard, creating a safer and more visibile pedestrian crossing along a busy corridor.
Other Projects in the Area
In 2019, we completed a safety improvement project which included installing three new enhanced RRFBs on SE Powell Boulevard at SE 24th, 31st and 34th avenues. Additional ODOT and partner agency project investments continue along Powell Boulevard. Please visit the project website for more information about other projects occurring along the corridor. Location
U.S. 26
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U.S. 26 (SE Powell Boulevard) at SE 36th Avenue.
Cost and Funding
$1.7 million
Contractor
Brown Contracting, Inc.
Benefits
Improved Safety on Powell Boulevard and SE 36th Avenue- RRFBs reduce crashes between vehicles and pedestrians by creating more visibility at pedestrian crossings and increasing driver awareness of a person crossing the road.
- A new enhanced pedestrian crossing at the busy intersection of SE 36th Avenue makes it safer for people to cross SE Powell Boulevard and connect their neighborhoods to nearby destinations such as bus stops, schools, churches, restaurants, local businesses and local parks.
- Upgraded ADA accessible sidewalk curb ramps at the new RRFB crossing creates safer and more accessible highway connections for everyone.
What Problem Will This Improve?
The existing crosswalk was previously unsignalized, located on SE Powell Boulevard along a busy, 30 mile-per-hour corridor at SE 36th Avenue. The nearest signalized intersection and pedestrian-activated crossing are located ¼ mile away. The corridor serves TriMet bus #9 and is one of the most utilized transit lines in the region.
Pictured above: crosswalk on SE Powell Boulevard at SE 36th Avenue before new RRFB was installed.
Additional Information
For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services, or more information call 503-731-4128, TTY 800-735-2900 or Oregon Relay Service 7-1-1.
¿Habla usted español? Podemos proveer la información en esta publicación en español. Para recibir la información en español, por favor llamé al (503) 731-4128.