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Aug. 26, 2025
PENDLETON – As part of our ongoing commitment to improving pedestrian safety and accessibility, we will remove the half-signal at the intersection of SW Emigrant Avenue and SW 13th Street.
We will replace it with a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB). This upgrade is part of Project K23758 – Eastern Oregon 2024–2027 ADA Curb Ramps, Phase 5, with full construction scheduled to begin in spring 2027.
In the interim, we have deactivated the half-signal, which previously controlled only westbound traffic on Emigrant Avenue, and installed a temporary RRFB to maintain pedestrian safety. The signal heads have been removed to improve visibility of the RRFB and reduce potential driver distraction and confusion.
This upgrade mirrors a similar improvement made at SW Frazer Avenue and SW 13th Street, where an RRFB has successfully enhanced pedestrian safety. Both locations are identified in the Pendleton School Districts Safe Routes to School Plan.
What is a half-signal?
Half-signals control only two directions of an intersection, while the other directions are typically controlled by stop signs. They were once used to help pedestrians cross busy roads, but they can lead to driver confusion. This happens when vehicles on the main road are stopped by a red light while cross-street drivers face a stop sign and may not expect pedestrians to be crossing. This mismatch in expectations can lead to safety issues, and national standards no longer permit half-signals.
 Westbound traffic on SW Emigrant Avenue is controlled by a signal, while cross traffic on SW 13th Street has a stop sign.
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