| News Release |
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| 4/27/2006 |
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Ramping Up Safety
ODOT maintenance workers from District 10 in Region 4 are putting the finishing touches on a bicycle and pedestrian ramp to limit dangerous crossing conditions on the Bend Parkway.
Led by crew chief Tim McGinnis, the Brothers area maintenance crew decided to build a concrete path to the Wilson Street overpass to provide an alternative for pedestrians choosing to dodge between cars on the high speed Parkway.
McGinnis sought out a $100,000 grant from the ODOT Pedestrian and Bicycle program, and enlisted the support of developer Bill Smith who granted a construction easement to facilitate the project.
Now, where kids and even moms with babies cross the intersection at Truman Street, there’s a smooth easygoing walk to the Wilson Street overpass.
When complete, there will be retaining walls, a handrail and fences on the east side of the Parkway to prevent crossing, plus a handrail and signs on west side of Parkway to prevent people from crossing from that direction. Pat Creedican, District 10 Maintenance Manager states, “We recognized the site as a danger to pedestrians who do not want to make the effort to use Wilson St. overpass to cross the Parkway. People are crossing (at grade on) the Parkway, endangering themselves for the sake of speed and convenience . The new walkway and fencing will provide an incentive for pedestrians to use the Wilson St. over crossing with its sidewalks.”
Work on the new ramp is expected to be complete by mid-May.
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