HOOD RIVER — A jurisdictional transfer is underway between the state of Oregon and the City of Hood River concerning a stretch of the Hood River Highway OR-281 from Pacific Avenue to Oak Street, roughly 6,800 feet. The portion of road being discussed is listed as “fair” or “poor” on the Oregon Department of Transportation’s scale.
This section of highway does not serve interstate travel and primarily supports local business, with 97% of Hood River residents living within a mile of the area. The county described it as a “major local priority,” as it is adjacent to a middle and elementary school, hospital and health clinics, and community college. ODOT does not have plans or funding in their budget to repair the road or improve safety for pedestrians and vehicles, so the city has chosen to manage the highway with a proposal for a jurisdictional transfer.
If the transfer is approved at the state level, the county plans to include this portion of highway into their Heights Streetscape Plan as well as address other areas lacking infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, curbs that are in disrepair, and more. Plans for Hood River Highway would likely include constructing roundabouts for safety and traffic flow, two-way cycle tracks on school routes, a slow speed corridor on 12th Street, and enhanced crosswalks.
The county report stated that “putting this roadway under local control is the only viable route” to get the necessary maintenance and changes for the highway. The proposal was submitted to the Oregon Legislature and received approval from Hood River County School District, the Hood River County Board of Commissioners, and Columbia Area Transit.
Commented
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.