City Council Approves Safety Enhancements for Oregon Humane Society Intersection
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Portland City Council has approved an emergency ordinance aimed at enhancing safety at the intersection of Northeast 11th Street and Columbia Boulevard, located outside the Oregon Humane Society (OHS). The initiative includes the installation of a new traffic signal, the construction of a curb and sidewalk, and the relocation of the OHS driveway.
Northeast Columbia Boulevard is recognized as part of the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) High Crash Network, where over eight fatalities have occurred in the vicinity since 2018. Alarmingly, multiple incidents involving OHS employees, volunteers, and clients have been reported, including three car accidents and near-misses.
The most recent tragic event took place on October 18, when a pedestrian was killed in a crash involving a sedan and a tractor trailer near the intersection. This incident highlighted the urgent need for enhanced public safety measures, as emphasized in the ordinance. The new traffic signal aims to facilitate safer turning for vehicles and provide better crossing conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.
Furthermore, the traffic signal aligns with the introduction of TriMet’s new bus line #49, which will enhance transit access for North and Northeast Portland, particularly benefiting OHS patrons who often walk or use public transportation.
The project is estimated to cost $5.3 million, predominantly funded by OHS along with contributions from the Portland Water Bureau and the Bureau of Transportation. Categorized as a Local Improvement District (LID), the project will enable local property owners to contribute to the cost of these vital infrastructure enhancements.
PBOT project manager Andrew Aebi anticipates construction will commence within the next two years, significantly improving safety at this crucial intersection.
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