SW Redmond street access to close for safety project

Crews are making good progress on the construction of new dedicated left turn lanes on Highway 126 near 35 th Street in Redmond. As part of this nearly $500,000 project, it is necessary to close access to SW 35 th Street at the Highway 126 intersection to widen the right of way.

The closure is expected to last until the end of September, city officials said Tuesday.

They said installation of the turn lanes will improve traffic safety at the intersection by reducing the likelihood of rear-end collisions while maintaining the flow of east and westbound traffic.

Detours are in place to divert motorists around the construction area.

“This intersection has a history of collisions and finding a solution to make it safer has been a high priority for Redmond City Council,” comments Mayor George Endicott. “With the addition of left turn lanes, I look forward to seeing a drastic reduction of accidents.”

Studies revealed both current and forecasted traffic counts do not meet the required thresholds to install a traffic signal at the intersection. Further analysis recommended the best way to improve safety would be the construction of left turn lanes.

On June 13 , 2017 Redmond City Council approved a contract with Bar Seven A Companies Inc. for the construction of left turn lanes at the intersection of US HWY 126 and 35th Street. Additional long-term safety improvement measures of widening US HWY 126 from SW Rimrock to 35 th Street are included in the city’s Transportation System Plan (2016-2020).

A map of the closure site and proposed alternate routes of travel is available on the City of Redmond website http://www.redmond.or.us/government/departments/public-works/transportation-division/road-work-closures-and-lane-restrictions ). The project is fully funded by system development charges.

For more information please contact Mike Caccavano, City of Redmond Engineer, at 541-504-2011 or mike.caccavano@ci.redmond.or.us