HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-24 Whimp Way Closure Comments8065 SW High Cone Dr.
Crooked River Ranch, Oregon
February 27, 2008
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 9770 1-1 947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the
access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I must protest this idea with great emotion.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked
Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The
subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river
valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects
with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane
road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow our residents our only additional ingress/egress
option available. It is very important in times of high fire danger ( ie: this last year's fire
near the so-called "Emergency Exit" which blocked that exit). Law enforcement on the
subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras.
Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular.
They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster
evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation.
Our safety should be measured by more than how many collisions occur. They have told
us that only two accidents with NO fatalities have occurred at this intersection in the past
six years. Please read on for a solution to this problem.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe nor unsafe, but
this could and SHOULD have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane
railroad overpass just north of that intersection at minimal cost, however it was not. A
widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south would allow
vehicles to slow down and exit Hwy 97 safely. Likewise, a center left -turn lane for
Highway 97 north -bound traffic would provide a safe exit on to Wimp Way. This could
be accomplished without excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist, but they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT.can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County
Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the
citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Kevin Smith
Resident and director of the Crooked River Ranch Birders' Group
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43"'
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then U S
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that v. ould
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They )ut
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive co!, t.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue: The Board of County Commissio.riers
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that woul I
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measurec
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner;
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost am
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43r1
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
7
f
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 431-d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that woul 3
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly. safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner;
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost a c
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
,raZ
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access o_I'
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`1
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that woul 3
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost an(
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured.
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner:
will have thefinal say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost an(
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely, (�;-�
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access or
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43r1
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43r1 Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and.
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner';
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost anc
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and;
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
2� / 1 i ? r,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes andCrookedRivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner, ;
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost anc
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
a: fice
2_65'6 S4J/.1ooD/,P
� �« 6`1/ i 2.
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and -Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner:
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost anc
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes andCrookedRivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`1
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner:
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost anc
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes andCrookedRivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes andCrookedRivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`' Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would.
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes andCrookedRivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes andCrookedRivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that woulc.l
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center tum lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
'
J
�; v
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right tum shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center tum lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
SincOrely,
i'<2--7,4"-127 '�.-✓
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes andCrookedRivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes andCrookedRivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that woulc..
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes andCrookedRivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that woul 3
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner ;
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost am
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,/4»(1J7
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes andCrookedRivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 4311 Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
�l.loe
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action_
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes andCrookedRivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
!
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes andCrookedRivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`1 Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center tum lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
,-' 7
Sincerely,/�
r.. fes..
t
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes andCrookedRivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`1
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation.. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost anti
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
7 :.•
ice-
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43r4
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43r4 Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measures'
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner;
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost an( l
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that woulc.
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south am.
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner:
will have the fmal say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost anc
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
age -4/614'
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43r1
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that woulc:'
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south anc.
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner:
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost am
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
GAJ .
Cu& c
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost anc
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost am l
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
RX Date/Time 0212712008 21:37 5037874103
Feb 27 08 08:23p Hake
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
P.001
5037874103 p.1
•
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access 3f
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers.. t
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located i
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`1
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire dange-,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They pact
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right tum shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair gf the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center tum lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commission srs
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost , ,nd
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
�� °lt05 SW
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right tum shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
C•
Glenn H rkelrath
12820 SW Eagle Vista Place
Crooked River Ranch
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43111
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43r1 Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured.
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Martha Herke rath
12820 SW Eagle Vista Place
Crooked River Ranch
Crooked River Ranch Seniors
6710 Ranch House Place
PO Box 1514
Crooked River Ranch OR 97760
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to
Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600
lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties
Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with
Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects
43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice AvenuefWimp Wayroads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if
the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a
portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson
County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law
enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or
work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the
reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the
right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning
vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles
from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive
cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to
expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final
say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state
bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
•
J./
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4.467
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
/ 78S 5 oQ�u 00-
._A 1 7 7 6
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
()x 977(0
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
l 24.0 310 340‘e,e )0r
_ n
91746
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access 01
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner ;
will have the fmal say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost ant
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
�? c7 e'er Z 6,
�7 ®; .of,
cars and trucks are required, by law, to wear seat belts, the belts providing a significant increase in safety.
Except for the driver, school buses do not even have seat belts, not for the kids. And, even if they did and
even if the driver could some how enforce their use, is it common sense to allow only school buses to use
an intersection that ODOT vehemently claims is dangerous? Do any ODOT kids ride in those buses?
Common sense leads me to these observations:
• Wimp Way provides a very real and popular alternative route for local residents including those
from Crooked River Ranch. The only other realistic alternative is Lower Bridge Road and it
certainly has its own serious problems.
• Wimp Way should remain open to all traffic. If ODOT can substantiate that this intersection has a
significantly higher risk for any type of accident when compared with other like intersections, t hen
they could consider left hand turn restrictions from north bound US 97.
• If ODOT really wants to improve safety for those citizens that live west of US 97 between
Terrebonne and the Crooked River Bridge, then ODOT, perhaps with some encouragement and
help from Deschutes County, needs to, at a minimum, make some improvements to the US 97 and
Lower Bridge Road intersections. I am not thinking expensive improvements, but only perhaps a
lower speed limit on US 97 (introduced with rumble strips) so traffic from Lower Bridge Road
turning to north bound US 97 could turn with more safety. It is very difficult to clearly see this
intersection at night, especially during adverse weather, and more lighting is desperately needec: to
help the one dim light presently in place. A relatively inexpensive blinking light or lights for at.
intersection with this amount of traffic should be mandatory. Are not solar lights available for
this?
• A hint to ODOT. You do not need to spend any more money to install a longer right hand turn
lane from Lower Bridge Road to US 97 — this is NOT the problem at that intersection.
How did this Wimp Way closure by ODOT for "safety reasons" become a "land use issue" for Deschutes
County?
I believe in common sense. I hope some other people do too.
Sincerely,
Marty and Sara Leigh Wilson
cc: Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners
Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners
Oregon Department of Transportation Highway Division
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`1 Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that woul<
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
) s\_, A)D,1,
c_g , D, 77 LrD
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation {ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access
of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked
Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision
is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only
access is 43rd Street, a paved two-lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge
Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two-lane road, ice Avenue, which
connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that
would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high
fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become
necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County
Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their
response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They
put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be
measured by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two-lane railroad overpass just north of the
intersection; however, it was not. A widening of the right -turn shoulder pavement for vehicles
traveling south and repair of the major potholes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic
lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for Hwy. 97 northbound -turning traffic would prevent vehicles
from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished
without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally, they have been
rejected as Oto expensive❑. Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County
Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens,
rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
4'// , C)1
/ ;
,'� r/ G 77�
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 431-d
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 431-d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43ra
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43"d Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the fmal say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43r1
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43"1 Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost an(
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,(J'U ��,, i 4lvt L C...
Richard Rochelle
8997 SW Chandler Ridge Pl.
Crooked River OR 97760-9303
February 2008
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation. (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time.
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a
center turn lane for Highway 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being
required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an
excessive cost.
Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been
rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life.
The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioner
will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and
or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy.
Sincerely,
Deschutes County
Community Development Department
1300 Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Subject: Closure of Wimp Way
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of
Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action.
Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It
contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in
both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd
Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US
Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects ects 43'd Street
with Wimp Way and Highway 97.
The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would
not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger,
as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law
enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in
Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time_
ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put
no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or
transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation Safety must be measured
by more than how many collisions occur.
The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe_ This could have been
corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection,
however it was not_ A widening of the right tura shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and
repair of major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out fftie traffic lanc. Likewise, .,
C;;st_Ci iuin lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to
s 9 s. t t t t This c= :_iid accomplished without an excessive Cost.
Other possibilities For accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. o=re it.a...iii' ii, ey a t. beLi.
rejected as "to expensive". 1'+yiii ps nnn'r ear. 117:_:`., ji . r Eta;
Si5osiir :,a iha'_- Wimp Way intersection is a lad use issue. The Board of County Commissioners
° is ^.s:: e:.-► .--.>._ A:-afia„ cif the eiti7.ir ratherthan thecost
re
ii
of the N:tati
Sincerely,