West PDX Today

You may have noticed a growing number of enhanced midblock crosswalks around Tualatin in the past few years. These striped crosswalks, which feature pedestrian-activated flashing lights and sometimes a concrete refuge island, are placed between intersections with traffic signals to improve traffic safety for people who walk and drive. We have installed 22 of these types of crosswalks in the past four years, with eight more planned this year.  

Midblock crossings make the street safer for everyone. They decrease random and unpredictable crossings while allowing pedestrians to follow the quickest and most efficient route. Many people will not go out of their way to cross at intersections, preferring instead to take the most direct path by crossing in the middle of the block. 70% of pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. happen in these ad hoc crossing locations.  

When traffic speeds are higher than 30 mph, or where it may be difficult for drivers to see and react to pedestrians, midblock crosswalks are often combined with pedestrian-activated flashing lights. These types of flashing lights reduce crashes between drivers and pedestrians by 46%. For people walking and rolling, crosswalks that are enhanced with flashing lights dramatically increase the odds that a driver will stop to let them safely cross the street. These crossings also make the street safer for drivers. Midblock crossings can offer better visibility, especially when combined with better overhead lighting, warning signage, and flashing lights to alert drivers of the potential crossings and encourage them to slow down. 

Many of these safety projects have been funded by the $24 million transportation bond program approved by voters in May 2018 – Tualatin Moving Forward. Now, 25 projects have been completed and another 11 are underway. The program’s accomplishments are highlighted in the Fifth Annual Report, mailed in December to every Tualatin home and business.  

Keep your eyes out for the new midblock crossings and thank you for helping to make Tualatin’s streets safer for everyone!  

Original source can be found here.