 SW Court Avenue and SW First Street will see changes in traffic signal.
April 3, 2024
Thank you, Pendleton! We wanted to express our gratitude for your active participation and valuable feedback during the first three weeks of our 90-day monitoring and comment period. Based on your comments and our observations, we are making adjustments to the intersection improvement features at SW Dorion Avenue/SW 10th Street and SW Court Avenue/SW First Street.
What you can expect
Flashing yellow signals
To reduce confusion at both intersections, we will turn on the flashing yellow function. If you are driving east on Dorion Avenue or west on Court Avenue, please follow these guidelines:
- Approach each intersection at a safe speed.
- Do not stop unless there is someone in the crosswalk.
- Be aware of pedestrians and stop for them when necessary.
- Turn safely when needed.
By following these rules drivers on SW 10th Street and SW First Street will have ample opportunities to cross the intersection or make a turn.
Temporary traffic markers
We will install temporary traffic markers at both intersections to act as curb extensions, similar to those found at other intersections in town (U.S. 395 and Southgate Place). These features will help side street traffic feel more comfortable pulling forward after stopping, which will enhance visibility when approaching Court and Dorion avenues from either the south or the north.
Why are we making these changes now?
The monitoring process is dynamic and requires adjustments based on traffic flow patterns. Based on observations we need to address vehicle traffic that may be stopping unnecessarily at the signal while the signal is turned off.
SW Dorion Avenue and SW 10th Street
While monitoring traffic at the intersection of SW Dorian Avenue and SW 10th Street, we observed confusion among drivers. Specifically, some drivers traveling east on Dorion Avenue are stopping or slowing down to let vehicles on SW 10th Street cross the intersection. This behavior is unexpected and potentially dangerous.
Vehicles traveling northbound or southbound on SW 10th Street are required to come to a complete stop behind the stop lines or crosswalk markings. As necessary, drivers may pull forward slowly and scan the area for any potential risks before proceeding.
SW Court Avenue and SW First Street
We have received feedback from drivers regarding the limited visibility they experience around parked vehicles on SW Court Avenue. To ensure the safety of all road users, drivers approaching the intersection on SW First Street are required to come to a complete stop behind the clearly marked stop lines or crosswalks. If necessary, drivers may slowly pull forward and scan the area for any potential hazards before proceeding.
Traffic volumes and crash history
The 10-year crash history at SW Dorion Avenue and SW 10th Street shows that most crashes are caused by drivers ignoring or disregarding the traffic signals. Rear-end collisions are the most common and typically increase with a traffic signal. These signals were installed in 1960/1961 before the construction of Interstate 84 in 1967. Traffic patterns and volumes have changed since then. Traffic volumes on SW Dorion, near SW 10th, peaked in the late 90’s/early 2000’s and are currently most similar to the late 80’s/early 90’s.
Traffic volumes on Court Avenue near SW First Street peaked in the late 1990s/early 2000s but are now similar to the early 1970s.
After reviewing traffic operations at both intersections using the national standard manual on uniform traffic control [MUTCD], we have determined that the signals no longer meet criteria and could be removed.
Managing our resources
As responsible stewards of State and Federal funds, it is important that we only install traffic signals that are truly needed. Installing signals that are not warranted can pose a challenge to our responsibility, as it increases the need for maintenance and associated costs. To reduce maintenance costs and free up funds for other improvements, we plan to remove any traffic signals that are not necessary. This will allow us to focus our resources on making improvements at busier signal locations in downtown Pendleton. This temporary monitoring allows us to see if replacement is feasible.
Installing a new traffic signal can be expensive, with costs up to $2 million or more. On the other hand, removing an unnecessary signal and replacing it with low-cost features like signs can be done for just a few thousand dollars.
What’s next?
We have taken note of your feedback and are proceeding towards the next phase of the project. The online open house will remain open for the 90-day monitoring period while we continue to collect data and compile your comments. We intend to hold an in-person open house in summer 2024 to present our findings.
For more information
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