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ODOT Announces Public Workshops
to Develop I-84 Corridor Strategy
For more information contact Julianne Repman (541) 388-6224
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is collaborating with a team of public agency partners to develop a long-term strategy for the Interstate 84 corridor in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The I-84 corridor strategy will guide design, construction and management activities in the corridor. Five public meetings have been scheduled in January in communities in and near the Columbia Gorge.
ODOT is working closely with the Columbia River Gorge Commission, U.S. Forest Service, Federal Highway Administration and counties within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The agency partners have selected a consultant team led by Otak, Inc. to assist in developing the I-84 corridor strategy.
Why develop a strategy for the I-84 Corridor?
Currently there are no specific guidelines for improvements or modifications to features in the I 84 corridor. The lack of a clear, cohesive framework for the corridor has made it difficult to implement needed improvements in an efficient manner. The I-84 corridor strategy will provide the framework to help ODOT manage and improve the interstate in a manner that meets public safety and transportation needs while also meeting National Scenic Area provisions. The I-84 corridor strategy will help provide continuity of design for corridor features in the Columbia Gorge and efficient implementation of needed transportation projects.
I-84 corridor strategy
The I-84 corridor strategy will include:
• A vision statement, goals and objectives to guide long-term management, design and construction activities within the corridor
• Design guidelines (conceptual illustrations and suggestions related to form, line, color and texture of features and materials)
• An interdisciplinary, interagency project planning and development process
Public invited to help develop the I-84 Corridor Strategy
A series of public workshops in January 2005 (meeting locations and dates below) will ask the public for input and ideas to inform development of the vision statement, goals and objectives for the I-84 corridor strategy and to provide suggestions to help shape the design guidelines for the corridor.
Additional public meetings will be held in spring 2005 to present early design concepts and ideas and in summer 2005 to present the draft I-84 corridor strategy and design guidelines. The I-84 corridor strategy is expected to be completed by fall 2005.
• Troutdale Monday, January 10, 2005, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Edgefield Inn, Ballroom of the Main Lodge
2126 SW Halsey St.
• Corbett Tuesday, January 11, 2005, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Corbett Elementary School
35800 Historic Columbia River Highway
• Cascade Locks Wednesday, January 12, 2005, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Charburger Restaurant
745 WaNaPa Street
• Hood River Tuesday, January 18, 2005, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Hood River Inn
1108 East Marina Way
• The Dalles Wednesday, January 19, 2005, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
The Discovery Center
5000 Discovery Drive
Meeting locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to Jodie Vice, OTAK, Inc., 1-866-944-6743.
Part of the OTIA Program
ODOT's work on this project is part of the agency's 10-year, $3 billion Oregon Transportation Investment Act (OTIA) program. During the next decade, OTIA funds will repair or replace hundreds of bridges, pave and maintain city and county roads, improve and expand interchanges, add new capacity to Oregon's highway system and remove freight bottlenecks statewide.
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