Warnings to violators will soon give way to $260 citations

The Beaverton Police Department is conducting public awareness and enforcement missions for a new crosswalk traffic signal recently installed on Southwest Farmington Road between Menlo Drive and 139th Avenue, directly in front of Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Station No. 67.

Installed in response to public demand for greater safety in the area, the signal operates as a pedestrian crosswalk signal and by the fire station to stop traffic for the departure of fire trucks responding to emergencies. There are no cross streets at the location, so the signal doesn’t operate to direct traffic for cross-street purposes.

Temporary signs in both directions advise motorists of the traffic signal change.

For pedestrian crossings, the signal is activated when the pedestrian approaches the crosswalk and activates the button to cross the roadway. The signal cycles through yellow to red in both flashing and solid modes. After the lights turn to red, the pedestrian receives a walk signal.

The signal is the result of numerous citizen complaints regarding the need for a crosswalk in this area, said Sgt. James Shumway, spokesman for the Beaverton Police Department.

Because pedestrians have noted motorists are not stopping for the signal since it was installed, the police department is increasing awareness of the signal through random enforcement. Officers will stop vehicles that did not stop for the light and advise them of the violation until Aug. 17, after which citations for violations — including failure to obey a traffic control device and failure to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian — will be issued. The fine for each is $260, Shumway said.