By Brian HoopÂ
ODOT is developing plans to repave U.S. Hwy 30 (St. Helens Rd.) between NW Bridge Avenue and NW Saltzman Road. The project, as currently proposed, will also replace two signals at the south end of Bridge Ave. and NW Front Ave., update and install curb ramps to American with Disabilities Act standards, bring guardrails up to standard and look for opportunities to improve the roadway for people using bikes.
According to the ODOT project website,
design has begun and will continue through fall 2021 with construction anticipated to begin in spring 2022.
Ellen Sweeney, with the Oregon Department of Transportation, will join us at the Wednesday, May 5 Linnton neighborhood meeting to provide an update on this repaving project and answer your questions We should take this opportunity to advocate for additional pedestrian and bicycling improvements such as a stop sign at NW Saltzman Rd and extension of the sidewalk for residents of the Willbridge area. This author has witnessed numerous instances of nearby residents risking their lives trying to cross the highway to catch a bus.
The project is currently planned from NW Bridge Avenue to NW Saltzman Road, but the project may be extended toward NW Kittridge Road if budget allows. The project is currently budgeted at $8,518,704. ODOT reports if paving is not done now, conditions are likely to deteriorate to the point where a full-depth roadway reconstruction is needed.
ODOT also reports over the summer of 2020 they investigated the hillside along NW Bridge Ave. near the St. Johns Bridge to prevent rockfall. That project is budgeted at $3,463,704. No timeline for implementation is listed. Seems like this is an opportunity to also advocate for pedestrian crosswalk stoplight improvements at NW Springville Rd. and Bridge Ave., for example.
In addition to repaving, this project will include other improvements including new or upgraded ADA ramps installed along the roadway at NW 55th Avenue, NW 56th Avenue, NW 57th Avenue, NW Saltzman Road, NW 60th Avenue, NW Front Avenue, and NW Bridge Avenue. Traffic and crosswalk signal upgrades at NW Bridge Avenue and NW Front Avenue will improve signal timing and detection for cars and people.
For more information contact Ellen Sweeney with ODOT at ellen.sweeney@odot.state.or.us or 503-872-4090. The project website is: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/projects/pages/project-details.aspx?project=20208