There are too many locations along Beaverton Hillsdale Highway (BvHwy) where a crosswalk or signal are too far away making it a real challenge for pedestrians to cross safely. Originally three new crossing islands were requested, but after some study the number was reduced to one, and may now be two(see January 2006 update below).
At the October 2005 SWNI Transporation meeting Will Stephens of PDOT showed a conceptual drawing for the proposed pedestrian island and crosswalks which will be located about a half block east of SW62nd. The island will be about 40 feet long with crosswalks at each end, this will force pedestrians to walk along it facing traffic, in the hopes that it will make them more aware of oncoming traffic before stepping into the crosswalk. PDOT hopes to break ground before the year is out and have it completed sometime in 2006.
Diagram (looking north across BvHwy, just eash of 62nd) of soon to be installed pedestrian Island.
Diagram (looking south across BvHwy, just eash of 62nd) of soon to be installed pedestrian Island.
The outline of the island has been spray painted onto the pavement; in the images above this outline is filled in with white (since the lines on the pavement would be barely visible in the photo at this size).
This pedestrian island will be a big improvement for pedestrians having to cross BvHwy, it is a long way in either direction to a marked crosswalk and/or signal light, and this is a very busy section of BvHwy. There are two apartment complexes on the North side of BvHwy at this location, and a senior living center on the south side. As you can see in the top photo this crossing is located very close to bus stops (one located on each side of BvHwy).
December 2005 BvHwy is now scheduled to be re-paved during the 2006 paving season (May to October) and paving must be completed prior to constructing the ped island. Lillie Fitzpatrick is coordinating with the Bureau of Maintenance paving folks to move BvHwy to the front end of the paving season.
January 2006 We are looking to add an another island, possibly two, on BvHwy aside from the one at 62nd Ave. Potential island sites include 50th, 42nd, 35th. These locations are still under evaluation, and the budget for these islands will come from the above noted CSTSP account. I anticipate we'll have design work for the additional island(s) on BvHwy completed in time for public review and construction to coincide with the implementation of the 62nd island. Let me know if you have questions - Will Stevens
September 21st the new pedestrian island crossing is nearly complete.
November 13th, 2006 the new completed pedestrian island crossing.
Many thanks to Bev Vogt and Lillie Fitzpatrick who were both instrumental in getting this project started and seeing it through to completion.