The new temporary crossing on Highway 99, north of Roosevelt Boulevard, is now open and operational. Public Works staff designed and constructed the crosswalk with the goal of creating a safer crossing for people using the busy highway and those living at the recently established Camp 99. Many of the people who stay at the camp cross the highway to access nearby social services.
The crossing includes new sidewalk access ramps, signage and striping, a temporary pedestrian island and flashing rectangle beacons that alert drivers that someone is in the crosswalk. Drivers should be prepared to stop for people using the newly activated crossing.
In 2017, Highway 99 was identified as a Vision Zero High Crash Corridor. Over the course of 8 years (2007-2015), there were more than a dozen minor to life-changing injury crashes on the 0.4 mile stretch of Highway 99 between Elmira and Royal. This crossing will help reach Vision Zero, the City’s goal of eliminating all deaths and life-changing injuries caused by traffic crashes.
Thanks to a grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the City is planning to construct a permanent pedestrian crossing at this location in 2020. The temporary crossing was constructed so elements of the curb ramps, signage and striping can all be used as part of the permanent improvement. The permanent crossing will also include the relocation of the north bound LTD bus stop.
The temporary crossing cost about $30,000 to complete.