About
The Oregon Department of Transportation partners with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to plan, design and construct transportation projects on the state's highway system through the reservation. As part of these projects, ODOT works with contractors and the tribal council to hire local individuals with applicable skills to each project, benefitting the local community as well as the statewide transportation system.
This project extends from the US 26/Kahneeta Junction on the Warm Springs Reservation (MP 103.2) to MP 111.2near Madras. Project components include:
- Repaving to address roadway deterioration (MP 103.2 – 111.2).
- Improving the roadside cut at MP 105 to reduce the risk of rock fall.
- Constructing multi-use path along US 26 between Warm Springs downtown commercial area to the Museum at Warm Springs.
- Coordinating with the Warm Springs Safety Plan to implement safety and traffic calming improvements between Kahneeta Junction and the Museum.
- Repairing or replacing 18” culverts within paving limits.
- Installing intersection signage improvements.
Location
U.S. 26
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U.S. 26, Kahneeta Jct. to Gumwood Lane
Cost and Funding
$8.97 million
Contractor
High Desert Aggregate & Paving
Benefits
What Problem Will This Improve?
U.S. 26 is a major east-west connection for the local community and also serves high volumes of through traffic as a major connection between Central Oregon and the Portland area. The local Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs relies heavily on US 26. Currently there are no sidewalks or bicycle lanes provided within the Warm Springs corridor.
The community has expressed concern about safety issues both along the U.S. 26 corridor. ODOT traffic volumes indicate an annual average daily traffic volume of approximately 6,700 vehicles per day. Crash data from 2010 to 2014 showed 50 reported crashes in the corridor, including several that resulted in injury and one in a fatality. Pavement on this stretch of highway is also in poor condition and showing sign of deteriorating and rutting.
The project will improve the safety of U.S. 26 and will help fulfill safety planning efforts identified in the 2017 Warm Springs Commercial Corridor Safety Plan, prioritizing safe and efficient infrastructure for all modes of transportation. The project will also address deteriorating pavement conditions.