| Heppner project gets thumbs up from community |
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| ODOT Region 5 News |
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ODOT’s $2.7 million project to rebuild sections of Oregon 74 and construct pedestrian improvements in downtown Heppner has received positive feedback from the small eastern Oregon community. The project includes rebuilding about a half-mile of the highway in town with concrete and asphalt paving, widening the roadway, repairing the Willow Creek Bridge and constructing new sidewalks, bike lanes, retaining walls and other pedestrian friendly enhancements. In addition to the work in town, a 19-mile section of Oregon 74 was also chip sealed east of town, thanks to the infusion of about $1.02 million in ARRA funding.
One of the special features of the project was how ODOT and their contractor, Knife River Construction of Bend, Oregon, handled the construction of retaining walls. Much of the town is built on a hillside and overcoming the negative impacts of gravity required shoring up embankments with concrete walls to make room for new walkways. The City, ODOT, Knife River and their concrete sub-contractors worked together to select an embossed pattern for the retaining walls that complimented the original basalt stonework that has helped keep the hillside in place below the circa 1903 court house.
The City of Heppner’s Beautification and Park Commission also recognized ODOT, Knife River and their sub contractors for their “commitment to creating an attractive environment.”
“The contactor has been very responsive,” DeMayo said. “Everyone is pleased,” he said, referencing how the new retaining walls look and the pedestrian improvements that now provide safer access to schools, the county fairground and local sports fields. “It’s very important for pedestrians to have safe access to those sites.”
ODOT Project Manager Craig Sipp also expressed his appreciation for the work performed by Region 5 staff and contractors, and the cooperative partnerships with the city and county. “All parties worked together for the same goal; a successful and quality project,” said Sipp.
Throughout the construction, the local community watched with anticipation, typically giving a wave or thumbs up as they passed through the work zone, recalled a member of the flagging crew. Local resident Kay Proctor was one of those local residents who expressed her thoughts regarding the much needed improvements.
“The project is a big deal here in town and looks great,” Proctor said.
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