City of Madras
Public Works Department
For the most updated information regarding this project, please visit the
ODOT Project Website.
Why is this project needed?
Providing a safe, efficient transportation system that supports economic opportunity and livable communities is important to both the City of Madras and ODOT. US 97 and J Street are critical part of the State’s and the City's transportation system. US 97 is classified as an “Urban Principal Arterial” through the town of Madras and carries a high volume of freight and tourist traffic between the Washington and California borders. Both US 97 and J Street are important roadways for local traffic.
J Street in the City of Madras intersects US 97 at the southern end of the 4th/5th Street Couplet. Currently the section of J Street located between the 4th and 5th Streets is only 50 feet in length, which creates an unsafe condition because it does not provide adequate room for vehicles waiting to cross the intersection or turn onto US 97. Recently the City has constructed an extension of J Street to the east and northeast of the intersection with US 97 and this street now functions as a major east-west route. An increase in traffic volumes along J Street and at the intersection with US 97 is driving the need for the installation of new traffic signals and a redesign of the intersections.
The City and ODOT are also proposing to solve safety issues at the intersections of US 97 and J Street. Based on vehicle crash data from 2004 through 2006 (10 total accidents, 3 of which resulted in serious injuries), in 2007 this site was ranked as one of top 10% worst crash sites in Oregon based on crash frequency, crash rate, and crash severity.
Through a Cooperative Improvement Agreement, the City of Madras and the ODOT have teamed up to prepare a design for the intersection of J Street and US 97 in Madras (aka the “South Y” Project). The design will be primarily based on the options adopted in the City of Madras TSP [Transportation System Plan] Refinement Plans and Amendments. ODOT and City staff will evaluate two options (A and B) identified in the TSP (ref. attachment, “Alternative Concepts of US97 Realignment Shown”). The final alignment recommendations could include either option or a variation somewhere in between the two (see Project Vicinity Map). Either alternative will result in further separation between US 97 Northbound and Southbound intersections with J Street, and the signalization of those intersections.
If you would like to learn more about this project, please contact Brad DeHart at (541) 296-2215 or Gus Burril at (541) 475-7672.
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