ODOT – GEARs

The Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Springfield Justice Center, 230 4th Street, in Springfield.

The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. Time will be available for public input around 11:25 a.m.. The agenda includes a discussion of the Springfield Pedestrian Safety Project on Highway 126B (Main Street), an update on the grant program, and introduction from ODOT’s new Alternate Modes Engineer Gary Obery, and a discussion of committee bylaws.

All Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public. Time will be available at the meeting for committee members to hear public comments, and accommodations will be provided to persons with disabilities. To request an accommodation, please call ODOT’s Bicycle/Pedestrian Program office at (503) 986-3555 (TTY: (503) 986-3854).

AGENDA
Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
November 17, 2011
Springfield Justice Center
230 4th St.
Springfield, OR
Thursday, November 17th

9:00 AM Administrative Business
Welcome; Call to Order & Introduction of Guests; Additional Agenda Items;
Order Lunch (15 minutes)

9:15 AM Minutes – July 2011 – review and discussion (10 minutes)

9:25 AM Committee Reports and 2012 Calendar (60 minutes)

10:25 AM Break

10:55 AM Grant Program Update (TE and Bike Ped Revisions) – Sheila (20 minutes)

11:15 AM Gary Obery – ODOT’s new Alternate Modes Engineer (20 minutes)

11:25 AM Public Comment Period (20 Minutes)

12:00 Noon Working Lunch – Springfield To be delivered

Springfield – Ped Safety Project on Hwy 126B (Main St.)/Other Items – David Ressor/Carl Deaton (45 Minutes)

1:00 PM Travel to Alder St. Grant Project (75 minutes)

2:30ish PM Adjourn

ODOT has given the official word. Hwy 242, McKenzie Pass is open to bikes and pedestrians (would be great for longboards too I think). I rode it last week before it was open and it was great! The first time I’d ridden it. Parked at the ranger station, rode 24 miles (about to milepost 77), then turned back for an amazing downhill. Only one car near the very end, going the other direction. Seven foot tall snowbanks, peaceful road, great views….definitely one of the stellar rides in our area!

From my ride last week- near the summit.

Here’s the info from ODOT:

Snow removed from one lane across McKenzie Pass Highway

Highway open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic only

BEND— Snow removal on a single lane of The Old McKenzie Pass Highway (OR 242) has been completed, giving pedestrians and bicyclists an opportunity to enjoy the highway before motor vehicle traffic is allowed. The highway is open only to pedestrians and bicyclists and remains closed to motor vehicles.

Pedestrians and bicyclists are urged to travel the single lane with caution and be alert for ODOT trucks or heavy machinery still working along the road.

The highway will not be opened to motor vehicle traffic until all the snow melts off the roadway. There is no firm date for reopening but it’s anticipated it will be in July.

ODOT maintenance crews report that 20-foot snow drifts can still be found along the edge of the cleared lane.

To learn more about the highway, visit:

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION4/McKenzie_Pass_Project/McKenzie_Pass_Project.shtml