| U.S. 97 Redmond Reroute |
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U.S. 97: Redmond Reroute
Project Fact Sheet
Project Location: Once complete, the new north-south Highway 97 Reroute (click on link for map) alignment will run between the canal and railroad on the east side of town from just north of Veterans way on the south end, to just south of the O’Neil Highway junction on the north end.
Purpose of the Project: The project will increase north/south highway capacity and reduce congestion and travel delays on the 5th/6th Street couplet in downtown Redmond, minimize the number of heavy trucks using the couplet and improve the business climate and general livability of the City’s downtown core. Additionally, the new alignment will improve freight mobility and freight access to future industrial developments in Redmond.
Benefit to Community/State: This project is expected to significantly improve traffic and freight movements through the City of Redmond. Assist the City in redeveloping their downtown by removing heavy truck traffic and the associated noise and air pollution. Currently more than 25,000 vehicles travel through downtown Redmond each day on Highway 97 with an additional 13,000 vehicles entering the heart of town on Oregon Highway 126.
Build Alternative: The US 97 Reroute project will develop a new north/south route for a portion of US 97 through Redmond to include improvements to the intersection of US 97 and OR 126. The project southern terminus is located near Veterans Avenue and the northern terminus will be at the City’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), currently located north of Spruce Avenue by Big Country RV. The project includes:
- Canal Piping – The project will pipe nearly one and one-half miles of the COID main canal. This piping is necessary to ensure continued water supply to COID’s agricultural users. Piping will reduce water loss to evaporation, reduce the chance for pollutants to be introduced into the water supply and offer an opportunity to return more water to the Deschutes River.
- Substation Relocation – The Reroute project alignment displaces the existing PPL main power substation in Redmond. The project will relocate the substation to a new location to the immediate south of the existing location between the new highway and South Canal Boulevard.
- Phase 1 Unit 1 (Maple/Negus) will build the Maple/Negus grade-separated structure over the BNSF railroad and build off-system improvements to the local grid system to enhance access management and local traffic circulation at NE 9th Street, NE 2nd Street and NW 7th Street.
- Phase 1 Unit 2 (Mainline) will construct a new four-lane highway from Veterans Way northward to the Urban Growth Boundary and a new connection to the Glacier/Highland Couplet. This element of the overall project includes significant utility relocations of the COID canal and PPL power substation and a non-traversable median from Veterans Way to the O´Neil Highway intersection.
Planning and Development: The project has been under development since 1998. The project has completed and Environmental Assessment consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act. The Central Oregon Area Commission on Transportation has made the project its top priority and the project is included in the City of Redmond’s Transportation System Plan. This project has been and will continue to be a working partnership of local, state and federal government.
Traffic Changes During Construction:
- Minor detour routes will be in place during Phase 1 Unit 1 to facilitate construction activities.
- A majority of Phase 1 Unit 2, with the exceptions of connecting to existing Hwy 97 at the North and South project termini, can be constructed with out impact to motorists traveling on Highway 97. Minor detours on Hwy 126 during work on the Evergreen/Hwy 126 canal and railroad crossings.
Public Involvement to Date: Extensive involvement with stakeholders, local citizens, downtown businesses, elected officials and fire/life/safety representatives throughout the environmental and design process.
Key Project Milestones:
Environmental Assessment (completed)
Begin Canal piping, October 2004
Phase 1 Unit 1 (Maple-Negus) Bid Opening, January 2005
Power Substation relocation, Spring 2005
Phase 1 Unit 2 Let (Mainline) Bid Opening, August 2005
Funding Sources:
City of Redmond $12,000,000
Statewide Trans. Improvement Program (STIP) $15,000,000
Federal Earmarks & OTIA 3 $45,000,000
Total Estimated Project Budget:
Phase 1 Unit 1: $11 million
Phase 1 Unit 2: $61million
Total: $72,000,000
ODOT Key Contacts:
Julianne Repman, Public Information Officer, 541.388.6224
Rick Williams, Project Development Manager, 541.388. 6458
Jon Heacock, Construction Manager, 541.388.6468
Gary Farnsworth, Central Oregon Area Manager, 541.388.6071
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