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‘They’ve failed to act’: Family of woman killed in Hwy. 97-Bear Drive crash suing Jefferson County, state

(Update: comments from Ron Adams, video)

Proposal to close Bear Drive intersection draws criticism

MADRAS, Ore, (KTVZ) -- Nadia Rankov Adams, 52, of Bend was on her way home from work last August 17 when her car collided with a semi-truck at the intersection of U.S. Highway 97 and Southwest Bear Drive south of Madras.

Her ex-husband, Ron Adams, and their three adult children have since moved to Portland. A former Sunriver firefighter and paramedic, Ron Adams knows Highway 97 well. He's demanding that something be done to make the crash site safer and has given notice of his intent to sue Jefferson County and the state.

"It's an interstate highway that's been treated like a back road. It doesn't conform to what I believe the state requirements are for an interstate highway," Adams told NewsChannel 21 on Wednesday. "They're aware of it, and they know it -- there's no way they can't. They've failed to act, and they're putting peoples lives at risk."

Nadia was an active community member, author and a singer in a local folk band, The Nomads.

Adams said doesn't want another driver to die. He says he's doing this not for himself of Nadia, but for everyone else.

"I'm absolutely crushed that Nadia's life was taken. I'm mad as hell at the state, and at Jefferson County for not taking action and for this to continue," he said.

Two intersections in the area of Bear Drive make it very dangerous for drivers. ODOT is proposing to close not only Bear Drive, but also Eureka Lane, where there are no turn lanes.

ODOT has proposed closing the intersection, though strong criticism of that move was voiced by some area residents at a recent public meeting.

If ODOT continues with the current proposal, Dover Lane will be the local access, along with Iris, Ford and Falcon Lanes, also adding turn lanes and more signage.

"There are lots of areas in the corridor and Oregon in general that need a lot of attention. It's hard to do all of the projects at once so we improve everything we can." said Kacey Davey, communication affairs coordinator for ODOT in Bend. "That's why last year there were so many accidents at Bear Drive -- which is what really put it on our radar -- and that's why we want to have this solution happen now."

Jefferson County needs to approve any proposal before ODOT can move forward. The county says it's an ongoing discussion. Commissioners are meeting with ODOT officials next Wednesday.

A northbound semi-truck hit two vehicles before hitting Rankov Adams' vehicle.

The intersection has gained public attention because of its danger. Officials say In the past four years, there have been 15 accidents, two of which were fatal.

Article Topic Follows: Jefferson County

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Carly Keenan

Carly Keenan is a multimedia journalist and producer for NewsChannel 21. Learn more about Carly here.

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