Residents and commuters in Tigard and Washington County can breathe a little easier with the completion of the pedestrian safety project on Hall Boulevard at the intersections of SW Hemlock and SW Spruce streets. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), this effort was jointly accomplished with the City of Tigard and Washington County to boost the safety of walkers and cyclists alike. New Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) have been installed, ready to alert motorists when pedestrians are crossing.
Thanks to the new RRFBs, these intersections are now notably safer, aiming to reduce crashes by up to 47 percent, as stated by the Federal Highway Administration. Completing the transformation, adding buffered bike lanes, new sidewalk, and improved curb ramps that meet ADA standards, now enhances the previously troublesome spots. As reported by the project leaders, parked cars will no longer hinder visibility at SW Spruce Street, thanks to new parking restrictions, further safeguarding those on foot or on bikes.
It's not just about blinking lights; these improvements represent a significant step towards a more inclusive and safer transportation network. The initiative doesn't stop here, as ODOT has disclosed plans for installing additional RRFBs at Fanno Creek Trail and SW Omara Street within the year, continuing their commitment to roadway safety.
While Hall Boulevard has been on the receiving end of multiple facelifts recently — from a rebuilt OR 217 overpass in Tigard to new sidewalk and bicycle lanes in Beaverton — the latest project underscores the ongoing push to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety in the region. Aiming to foster an environment where all users of the road feel safe, these improvements, outlined by ODOT, highlight a concerted effort to reshape the local transport landscape.
