| US 97: J Street Intresection (Madras South Y) Project |
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| Current News |
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Project Update - Summer 2011
During the evaluation of these intersections, the Project Team developed a broader master plan that addresses long-term traffic needs, enhancements and storm drainage improvements for a larger area around the southern end of the Madras couplet. The cost estimate for all elements in that master plan is around $18 million.
Currently ODOT and the City have identified nearly $6.0 million in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to construct a first phase of the master plan. The first phase will focus on the realignment of northbound U.S. 97 and operational improvements at the U.S. 97 / J Street intersections. The City and ODOT are both actively seeking additional project funding. Learn more...
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| Why is this project needed? |
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Intersection of US 97 and J Street in Madras, looking west.
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Providing a safe, efficient transportation system that supports economic opportunity and livable communities is important to both the City of Madras and ODOT. US 97 and J Street are critical part of the State’s and the City’s transportation system. US 97 is classified as an “Urban Principal Arterial” through the town of Madras and carries a high volume of freight and tourist traffic between the Washington and California borders. Both US 97 and J Street are important roadways for local traffic.
J Street in the City of Madras intersects US 97 at the southern end of the 4th/5th Street Couplet. Currently the section of J Street located between 4th and 5th Streets is only 50 feet in length, which creates an unsafe condition because it does not provide adequate room for vehicles waiting to cross the intersection or turn onto US 97. Recently the City has constructed an extension of J Street to the east and northeast of the intersection with US 97 and this street now functions as a major east-west route. An increase in traffic volumes along J Street and at the intersection with US 97 is driving the need for the installation of new traffic signals and a redesign of the intersections.
The City and ODOT are also proposing to solve safety issues at the intersections of US 97 and J Street. Based on vehicle crash data from 2004 through 2006 (10 total accidents, 3 of which resulted in serious injuries), in 2007 this site was ranked as one of top 10% worst crash sites in Oregon based on crash frequency, crash rate, and crash severity.
Through a Cooperative Improvement Agreement, the City of Madras and the ODOT have teamed up to prepare a design for the intersection of J Street and US 97 in Madras (aka the “South Y” Project). The design will be primarily based on the options adopted in the City of Madras TSP [Transportation System Plan] Refinement Plans and Amendments. ODOT and City staff will evaluate two options (A and B) identified in the TSP (ref. attachment, “Alternative Concepts of US97 Realignment Shown”). The final alignment recommendations could include either option or a variation somewhere in between the two (see Project Vicinity Map). Either alternative will result in further separation between US 97 Northbound and Southbound intersections with J Street, and the signalization of those intersections.
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| Project Timeline |
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The City and ODOT selected a preferred alignment (Option Modified B) in Fall 2008. The next steps are to acquire right of way, finalize the design, develop contract documents and advertise the contract. Below is the current schedule.
| Acquire Right of Way |
Fall 2011 thru Summer 2013 |
| Develop Preliminary, Advanced and Final Plans |
Spring 2012 thru Fall 2013 |
| Bid Opening |
Fall/Winter 2013 |
| Construction |
2014 |
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| Public Involvement |
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Three public open houses have been held.
The first Open House was Tuesday, December 11, 2007, the second was Tuesday, October 28, 2008 and the third was held Tuesday, May 25, 2010. All were held at the fire hall in Madras. Approximately 25 people attended the first open house, 40 the second and nearly 50 at the third.
May 25, 2010, Open House Flier
October 28, 2008, Open House Flier
December 11, 2007, Open House Flier
December 11, 2007, Open House Summary
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| Project Materials |
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Documents
Project Update, Summer 2011
Project Update, Spring 2010
Project Team Recommendation, Fall 2008
Modified Option B, Fall 2008
Project Update, September 2008
News Articles
Madras Pioneer article from November 6, 2008
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| Project Team |
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The multi-disciplined Project Development Team was formed early in 2007 and meets on at least a monthly basis. The Team is made up of technical experts in Right-of-Way, Surveying, Planning, Traffic Engineering (including Access Management), Utility Engineering, Roadway Engineering, Engineering Geology, Environmental, Hazardous Materials, Construction, and Public Affairs. The City of Madras representative on the Team is the Public Works Director, Gus Burril. The Project Leader from ODOT is Brad DeHart.
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| Gus Burril |
Director of Public Works, Madras
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(541) 475-7672 |
| Brad DeHart |
Project Leader, ODOT |
(541) 296-2215 |
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