Traffic safety projects reviewed

Traffic Safety Plan (TSP) amendments were adopted in December 2021. Since that time, almost a dozen safety improvements have already been made in the first seven months of 2022, according to Public Works Director Paul Bertagna. This summer and fall six more projects will be completed.

Completed:

- Developed and approved the 20-mph residential speed zone (Ordinance 521).

- Signed and implemented the 20-mph residential speed zone signs (over 100 signs).

- Installed four traffic-calming speed humps (Creekside Drive, campground).

- Installed new ADA ramps and reduced turn radii at Barclay/Pine.

- Installed 10 new ADA crossings (Pine, McKinney Butte, Hood, Barclay).

- Worked with ODOT and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to get larger speed zone signs on Highway 20/126.

- Enhanced crosswalk striping at Washington and Elm.

- Sidewalk repairs adjacent to city-owned property for pedestrian safety.

- Reduced speed on Main Avenue to 20 mph.

- Installed additional speed zone signage on McKinney Butte.

To be done this summer/fall:

- Install new school zone signs on McKinney Butte that will say “Speed limit 20 mph when flashing.” There will be driver feedback signs under the speed limit signs to provide consistency with the flashing school zone signs on Highway 242.

- Implement all-way stop control and modify crosswalks at Larch and Main. This was recommended due to the crash history at this intersection (six crashes 2014-2018).

- Installation of bike lane striping on West Hood from Pine Street to Highway 242. This will provide bike lane connectivity from Hood to Cedar and Hood to Highway 20/126.

- Elimination of one parking space at the southwest corner of Hood Avenue and Pine Street to increase intersection site distance.

- Work with City traffic engineer to determine the appropriate timing for implementing all-way stop control and crosswalk modifications at Main Avenue and Fir Street.

- Work with City traffic engineer and ODOT staff on the design of East Cascade Avenue/North Locust Street intersection in conjunction with the final Highway 20/Locust roundabout design, which will provide a cohesive safety project through that Locust Street corridor much like was done with the Barclay roundabout and Railway improvements.