After a pedestrian was struck and killed by a car on NE Fremont in December 2021 BWNA, in coordination with Beaumont Business Association, engaged the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) to address pedestrian safety concerns within the Beaumont Village commercial corridor.
During a BWNA-sponsored meeting with PBOT representatives in February, several areas of concern were raised with two of those concerns getting early supportive responses from PBOT: improved lighting and lines of sight at crosswalks. During the first half of 2022 these concepts were formalized and became active PBOT projects.
Improved Lighting
The lighting project included the addition of a light and enhancements on two existing street lights near the crosswalk at NE 44th Avenue, close to where the accident occurred. These lighting improvements have been completed by PBOT.
BWNA continues to have discussions with PBOT about additional lighting needs beyond what has already been completed along the NE Fremont corridor, but higher accident corridors in the city continue to be the priority for PBOT resources.
Lines of Sight with Soft Bump Outs
To provide improved lines of sight, slow traffic, and improve pedestrian safety, PBOT designed soft bump outs to be installed at three existing marked crosswalks on Fremont near NE 44th, 46th and 47th avenues. Soft bump outs are sidewalk and curb extensions at crosswalks (see graphic at right). As of our press deadline, the soft bump outs were scheduled to be installed by the end of October.
Community Participation Opportunity
As shown on the adjacent drawing, the soft bump outs provide areas for community artwork to enhance local participation and highlight these unique safety features.
There are ongoing discussions about having specific artwork themes at each of the three locations, as well as encouraging Beaumont Middle School student involvement. One idea suggested was to honor Vivian “Gayle” Phillips, the pedestrian who lost her life, with artwork at that fateful NE 44th Avenue crosswalk (see related article, A Neighbor Remembered, page 5).
It is hoped that related permitting, artwork submissions, and the selection process to create these additions to the soft bump out installations will support a community event in late spring 2023.
Those interested in submitting a design—or just helping out with the street art event—please contact John Sandie at SandieFam@gmail.com.
John Sandie relocated from the Midwest with his wife, Kathy, to be closer to children and grandchildren in the area, landing on Fremont Street in B-W in early 2011. In retirement they pursue their desires to make a difference locally; John by volunteering with the neighborhood association, Kathy with Alameda School.