July 26, 2024
ODOT Update
Between the meetings and conversations regarding the ODOT realignment of Hwy 47, and concerns about the condition of our West Main Street, it’s time to bring you all up to speed on what has been happening, because there’s been a lot of activity; most of it behind the scenes.
Let's talk about West Main Street first: Last year, Carlton secured $1.5 million in federal funding to improve the pavement condition of West Main. But as often happens with federal grants, there were conditions – specifically that the project be “delivered by a certified agency.” In this case, ODOT. “Delivery” means that ODOT will be doing the work, even though West Main is a city-owned street, so you may at times see ODOT crews taking measurements and doing other prep work on the west end of town.
However, while ODOT is willing to deliver the project, it will have to be fitted into their already full schedules, so we do not yet have a time-certain when construction will begin. We’ll definitely keep you updated.
The other ODOT-related project is the Highway 47 realignment, and the news there is not as encouraging. In spite of ODOT’s efforts, they have not been able to access the funding needed, and on July 24 the City was informed that ODOT is submitting the realignment project to the Oregon Transportation for cancelation.
The main reason is that despite ODOT’s efforts to secure federal grants, and other sources of additional funding they are short more than $10 million to build the project our community sees as necessary for our citizens safety.
This does not mean the project is gone forever, however it will be some time before it comes up again.
The Oregon Department of Transportation does not have an easy job and in the last several years of meetings and discussions, they have made a good faith effort to provide Carlton with the project we wanted. Their efforts are much appreciated, and as you see ODOT crews working on various maintenance projects around town, please take a moment to thank them for all they do to try to keep us safe.
~Linda