x
Breaking News
More () »

Advocates push for safety changes on outer Stark Street

PORTLAND, Ore. – Traffic safety advocates are calling for changes for outer SE Stark street, including an emergency ordinance to lower the speed limit from 35 Miles per hour to 30 MPH.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Traffic safety advocates are calling for changes for outer Southeast Stark street, including an emergency ordinance to lower the speed limit from 35 to 30 mph. The request comes after a woman was hit and killed while in a crosswalk at Southeast 148th Avenue and Stark last Thursday.

The driver who hit 53-year-old Yelena V. Loukas of Portland did not stop. Stark street is one of 30 streets in a high crash network identified by the Portland Bureau of Transportation. Safety advocates said Stark is one of the worst for pedestrians.

“It’s the sixth most dangerous corridor for people walking and we’ve seen that over the past year or so really be amplified with four deaths in just over a year," said Noel Mickelberry, Executive Director of Oregon Walks. “So it’s showcasing the need, it’s a very clear example of where design needs to change.”

Speed limits have been lowered to 30 mph on parts of Stark already, and on Southeast Division Street in places as well. PBOT said it will consider the idea of lowering the limit on the area around 148th and Stark as well. But an emergency ordinance to do so would require approval by the Portland city council.

Before You Leave, Check This Out