ODOT plans big changes to Highway 97 corridor in S. Redmond, with a ‘hefty’ $110 million price tag
(Update: Adding video, comments from ODOT)
Grant from new federal infrastructure program would enable larger project, 2 roundabouts
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Several major road changes are in the works to improve Highway 97 on the south end of Redmond and on major connecting streets. City councilors will get an ODOT update Tuesday evening on the project and the funding situation
ODOT Area Manager Bob Townsend said Friday the US 97 South Redmond Corridor project -- in the works for close to a decade -- would include everything from rebuilding Highway 97's pavement to new sidewalks and signal upgrades.
"It's really an overall betterment to the entire system there on the south end of Redmond," he said.
I asked Townsend why these improvements are needed.
"There's a few things triggering these improvements," he said. "No. 1 for us is, the pavement condition on Highway 97 there is rated poor."
The improvements should also reduce travel time on the highway.
"The signals -- you know, you're stopping at multiple signals. So with some new intelligent transportation systems, we can improve that type of flow," he added.
Townsend said median barriers will also be added for safety.
A big chunk of the funding would come in a grant from the federal government's Rural Surface Transportation program.
"This is a new grant program for expanding surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas (population <200,000)," ODOT said. "Program goals include increasing connectivity, improving safety and reliability of moving people and freight, generating economic growth, and improving quality of life."
The project as being presented Tuesday evening that would be covered in part by the grant would include a pavement rebuild on Highway 97 from Veterans Way to Yew Avenue, other corridor improvements and on Canal Boulevard, a roundabout at Highway 126 and Southeast Ninth Street, another roundabout at Veterans Way/Ninth Street/Airport Way and the Ninth Street connection, and an extension of 19th Street.
The total project budget is estimated at $110 million, with $32.3 million from ODOT, $25 million from the city ($15 million from urban renewal funds and $10 million from the capital improvements fund) and a federal grant of $52.6 million.
Townsend said, "It's a hefty price tag of around a $100 million to do everything. We may be able to phase it with a $50 million project, but right now all we have is $5 million in design.".
It's going to take a few years to refine that design, and continue to apply for grants.
Townsend said they've applied for two grants. One was denied but they're waiting to hear on the other one.
"The reality is, we're going to just keep applying for grants, and seeking out additional federal funding until we get our bucket full," he said.
ODOT also lays out for councilors a scaled-down proposal, if the grant is not approved, leaving out the two roundabouts and modifying the Canal Boulevard improvements.
You can find some earlier details here: https://southredmond97.org/
Here is the full presentation:
