Astoria, OR — The Astoria Riverwalk is set to undergo significant lighting improvements in an effort to enhance safety and visibility along one of the city’s most popular waterfront trails. The upgrades, which are planned to extend from Mill Pond to Uppertown, aim to make the path safer for pedestrians and cyclists, especially during evening and nighttime hours.
The project is designed to address concerns about the current lighting conditions, which some have described as insufficient for a trail that attracts visitors and locals alike. With the Riverwalk serving as a signature feature of Astoria, providing a safe and well-lit route is seen as a key step in ensuring continued use and enjoyment of the space, particularly for those walking or biking after dark.
However, while the lighting improvements will bring much-needed upgrades to this section of the Riverwalk, they will only extend as far as 34th Street. This means that parts of the trail beyond that point will not be included in the current round of construction.
City officials have emphasized that the decision to limit the construction to 34th Street is based on budget constraints and project prioritization. Although the improvements will enhance the trail’s safety for a significant portion of its length, some sections will still be left without the new lighting for the time being.
The project has been well-received by many in the community, with residents and local business owners noting that the upgraded lighting will likely increase foot traffic, improve safety, and create a more inviting atmosphere along the Riverwalk.
While the current phase of improvements stops at 34th Street, city leaders have expressed hope that additional funding may be secured in the future to extend the lighting enhancements to other parts of the trail. For now, the planned upgrades represent a significant step forward in making Astoria’s waterfront even more accessible and welcoming for all who visit.
