The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced the removal of a half-signal at the intersection of SW Emigrant Avenue and SW 13th Street in Pendleton. The signal, which previously controlled only westbound traffic on Emigrant Avenue, has been deactivated as part of ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility.
ODOT will replace the half-signal with a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB). This change is included in Project K23758 – Eastern Oregon 2024–2027 ADA Curb Ramps, Phase 5, with full construction planned to begin in spring 2027. In the meantime, a temporary RRFB has been installed to maintain pedestrian safety. The signal heads have also been removed to make the RRFB more visible and reduce potential driver distraction or 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,” according to ODOT.
Half-signals were once used to help pedestrians cross busy roads by controlling only two directions at an intersection while other directions had stop signs. However, these signals can lead to confusion when drivers on the main road are stopped by a red light but cross-street drivers encounter only a stop sign and may not expect crossing pedestrians. National standards no longer permit half-signals due to these concerns.
Westbound traffic on SW Emigrant Avenue was controlled by a signal before its removal, while vehicles on SW 13th Street faced a stop sign.
