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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWimp Way Closure Documents-TES Department of Administrative Services Dave Kanner, County Administrator June 16, 2009 Hon. John E. Huffman State Representative, District 59 Oregon State Capitol, House of Representatives H-476 900 Court St., NE Salem, OR 97301 Dear Representative Huffman: 1300 NW Wall St, Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 www.co.deschutus.orus Thank you for your letter of June 1 regarding the pending closure of Wimp Way. I have been asked by the Board of Commissioners to respond to your letter and apprise you of the current status of the project. The Commissioners' decision to approve the closure of Wimp Way was made pursuant to a formal request in 2007 from the Oregon Department of Transportation. The Board considered volumes of information, had several meetings with Jefferson County residents of Crooked River Ranch and took extensive public input before arriving at its decision. In addition, an advisory committee that included a Jefferson County commissioner as well as a Deschutes County commissioner recommended the closure. I have enclosed for your review the minutes of the Board meeting at which this decision was made, as well as the Board resolution and findings that support the decision. There is not majority support on the Board at this time to reconsider this decision. Note that, as you are aware, a request for reconsideration of ODOT's plan was made directly to the chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission and she, too, concluded that ODOT's plan to close Wimp Way is the correct course of action. Finally, it is my understanding that ODOT has already opened bids for the Lower Bridge Way realignment and safety improvements, and is proceeding with the project. I hope the enclosed information is what you were seeking from the County. Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can provide any additional information. Enhancing the Lives of Citizens by Delivering Quality Services in a Cost -Effective Manner June 16, 2009 Hon. John E. Huffman Page 2 Sincerely, Dave Kanner County Administrator cc/ Hon. Ted Ferrioli Hon. Chris Telfer Hon. Gene Whisnant / NANCY DESCHUTES BLANKENSHIP,OFFICIAL COUNTY CLERK s CJ X408.815 COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL 11111111111111111111 111111 10/01/2008 08:37:40 RM For Recording Stamp Only BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON An Order Directing the Permanent Closure of Wimp Way at the Intersection with US Highway 97 * * ORDER NO. 2008-079 WHEREAS, pursuant to ORS 374.060, the Department of Transportation with the official approval of... the county court or board of county commissioners of any county road with respect to county roads, may: (1) close any street, highway or road at or near the point of intersection with a throughway...; and WHEREAS, pursuant to ORS 374.065, (2) any county road may be closed at the points where it runs into or intersects the throughway if the consent of the county court or board of county commissioners of the county in which the road is located is first obtained.; and WHEREAS, on November 30, 2007, ODOT Region 4 Manager Robert Bryant asked the Deschutes County Commission for permission to close the Wimp Way approach to US Highway 97; and WHEREAS, pursuant to ORS 810.030, (1) A road authority may imposed restriction...on its own highways as the road authority determines necessary to:... (b) Protect the interest of safety of the general public.; and WHEREAS, as a result of increasing travel speeds and traffic volumes on US Highway 97, turning movements at Wimp Way have become increasingly more hazardous for school buses and area residents; and WHEREAS, there has been extensive public involvement on the closure of Wimp Way, including outreach to residents along Wimp Way and Ice Avenue, as well as the Terrebonne and Crooked River Ranch communities, the school districts and emergency service representatives from both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties; and WHEREAS, ODOT is planning safety improvements to US Highway 97 from the Crooked River Bridge to the Redmond Reroute and one of the project components is to improve intersection safety along US 97 at NW Wimp Way; and WHEREAS, this project is scheduled for construction summer of 2009; and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners finds that the proposed closure is in the public interest; now, therefore ORDER NO. 2008-079 - PAGE 1 OF 2 — WIMP WAY CLOSURE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON, HEREBY ORDERS as follows: Section 1. That the intersection of Wimp Way with US Highway 97 be closed to public use 90 days following the completion of the Lower Bridge/US 97 intersection improvements as part of the US 97: Crooked River Bridge to Redmond Reroute project. Section 2. That a gate will be installed at the intersection of Wimp Way and US Highway 97 for use by emergency services only. 4.14.k/rithit DATEDthis day of , 2008. ATTEST: Recording Secretary BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESC ., COUNTY, OREGON LUKE, CHAIR NEY) LO VICE CHAIR MI RAEL DAL" Y C M ISSIONER ORDER NO. 2008-079 - PAGE 2 OF 2 - WIMP WAY CLOSURE Theodore R. Kulongoski, Governor November 30, 2007 Commissioner Luke Commissioner Baney Commissioner Daly Deschutes County Commission 1300 NW Wall St Bend, OR 97701 Subject: US 97: Crooked River Bridge - Redmond Request to Close Wimp approach to US 97 Dear Commissioners: Department of Transportation Robert W. Bryant, PE Region 4 Manager 63055N Hwy 97 Bend, OR 97701 541-388-6184 This is a formal request for your consent to a permanent closure of the west side approach of Wimp Way to US 97. The closure has been proposed to be accomplished in conjunction with the subject pavement preservation/safety project on US 97, scheduled for construction in 2009. This request is in reference to the following Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS): ORS 374.060, Power of Department of Transportation as to intersecting streets and roads, states: "The Department...with the official approval of...the county court or board of county commissioners of any county road with respect to county roads, may: (1) Close any street, highway or road at or near the point of intersection with a throughway...." ORS 474.065, Intersection of throughways and county roads, states: "(1) The Department... shall provide for the intersection of throughways by county roads running into or across throughways. (2) Any county road may be closed at the points where it runs into or intersects the throughway if the consent of the county court or board of county commissioners of the county in which the road is located is first obtained." ORS 810.030, Imposition of restrictions on highway use; grounds; procedure; penalties, states: "(1) A road authority may impose restrictions...on its own highways as the road authority determines necessary to do any of the following:... (b) Protect the interest of safety of the general public." With travel speeds and increasing traffic volumes on US 97, turning movements at Wimp Way have become increasingly more hazardous for school buses and areas residents. The project focuses available limited funding on making safety and operational improvements at the intersection of US 97 at Lower Bridge Way that will serve the Crooked River Ranch and Lower Bridge communities. November 30, 2007 Deschutes County Commission Page 2 of 2 There has been extensive public involvement on this proposal over the past few years, including outreach to residents along Wimp Way and Ice Avenue, as well as the Terrebonne and Crooked River Ranch communities, the school districts, and emergency service representatives from both Deschutes and Crook Counties. There has also been thorough technical review, including observations from the temporary closure of Wimp Way during replacement of the adjacent US 97 -railway bridge in 2005, and input from Deschutes County staff. Please reference the enclosed US 97: Wimp Way Traffic Safety Frequently Asked Questions document which helps summarize our work and conclusions. One of the outcomes reinforces the direction that we will provide emergency access only, for both emergencies services and evacuation options, between the proposed Wimp Way cul-de-sac and US 97. Also enclosed for your background and reference is an ODOT project information paper title US 97: Crooked River Bridge to Redmond Reroute Project, including a map and supporting traffic information. I would appreciate your consideration of this request, and given our interest in delivering the project in the 2009 construction season, it would be helpful to have a response from you by early 2008. I would also be more than willing to visit with you and your constituents, or provide additional information to help with your decision-making. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. Thank you. Sincerely, A„„ Robert W. Bryant; SPE Region 4 Manager Enclosures cc: Tom Blust, Deschutes County Roads Director Bill Bellamy, Jefferson County Commissioner Gary Farnsworth, ODOT Central Oregon Area Manager Pat Creedican, ODOT District 10 Manager Joel McCarroIl, ODOT Region 4 Traffic Manager US 97: Wimp Way Traffic Safety Frequently Asked Questions Last updated: September 20, 2007 There has been much interest, comments, and questions recently regarding traffic safety at the intersection of US 97 and Wimp Way. Our first concern within the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is public safety, and we appreciate opportunities for involvement from all of our stakeholders on this subject. Please keep in mind that we have many stakeholders from all walks of life and ranges of need and interest, and we do our best to create a proper balance of decision making for all. Here is feedback to frequently asked questions: Are local residents at Wimp Way and Ice Avenue, residents at Crooked River Ranch, emergency services, and school bus route issues being considered in the decision to close Wimp Way? Yes, we've sought direct feedback from all affected residents, emergency service, and school district representatives. Here is what we've heard: Residents along Wimp Way and Ice Avenue generally support closing Wimp Way to reduce the number of vehicles, some say traveling at unsafe speeds, along the public roads in their area. Residents of Crooked River Ranch generally are opposed to dosing Wimp Way and want improvements at the intersection, as a convenient means of accessing US 97, and an alternative for avoiding the traffic congestion at Lower Bridge Way. Culver School District Transportation Department staff much prefer keeping Wimp Way open as an alternative, given congestion at Lower Bridge Way. The Jefferson County Sheriffs Office wants us to keep Wimp Way open to reduce their travel response time to emergencies at in the area off US 97, including Crooked River Ranch. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office if okay with closing Wimp Way. September 2007 Could improvements (e.g., lighting, turn lanes, sight distance, turning restrictions) have been made at the US 97/Wimp Way intersection, instead of full closure? It is possible. However, we recognize that even with improvements at this intersection, the safety problem will continue to worsen over time as traffic volumes increase. With the increasing traffic volumes on US 97, turning movements at Wimp Way will become increasingly hazardous for school buses and area residents. Our recommendation has been to invest our limited available funding into improving the safety and operations at the intersection of Lower Bridge Way to serve all of the Lower Bridge and Crooked River Ranch communities. This is in light of the fact that there are other public road alternatives for property owners in the area, and given the fact that sooner or later this access will need to be closed under any scenario. By closing Wimp Way this would likely mean traffic will want to access the highway at the US 97/Lower Bridge Way intersection which already has congestion and safety problems. What sort of improvements are you planning there? Improvements being considered and proposed include: the addition of a right turn lane from Lower Bridge Way that is separated from the left turn movement to separate and improve right tuming and left turning traffic onto US 97; improvements for the site distance of vehicles turning from Lower Bridge Way onto US 97, and from US 97 to Lower Bridge Way; relocation of the entrance to Terrebonne Estates development (Morning Glory Drive) further west of US 97 to improve safety for approaching eastbound traffic on Lower Bridge Way; and elimination of dangerous "through" movements across US 97 (11th St. to/from Lower Bridge Way). Won't the traffic diverted from Wimp Way make congestion and safety worse at Lower Bridge Way? The amount of traffic currently using and forecasted to use the Wimp Way access to US 97 is so small, particularly compared to the amount of traffic at Lower Bridge Way, the affect of any diverted traffic will have un -measurable effect, both in the short and long terms. [Also note: In the long term we may be faced with the need to replace the "at -grade" intersection of Lower Bridge Way to US 97 with a "grade separated" facility that could include ramp connections to accommodate access from the highway. Such plans are well beyond the scope of our current project, but stay tuned as we intend to address such long term questions through a refinement planning effort, we expect to begin within the next year, for US 97 between the O'Neil Highway and Crooked River Gorge.] September 2007 Could a new connection be made from Crooked River Ranch to US 97 through the Ogden Wayside, next to the gorge? This is possible, but would be a very difficult task to achieve. As noted by several who have commented regarding Wimp Way, Crooked River Ranch is projected to grow to as many as 8,000 residents. This population increase could create several thousand more automobile trips per day - destined for US 97 - than we see today. Such an increase in vehicle trips would create detrimental impacts to the Wayside itself, as well as traffic impacts at the US 97 -Wayside intersection. Also, the right- of-way (property) for such a connection would also require approval of both the Oregon State Parks and the BNSF Railway. Is it time to consider and discuss alternative routes to Crooked River Ranch, such as a route directly to the north (or other directions) within Jefferson County? This is a good time for such consideration and discussion, particularly in light of the projected growth of Crooked River Ranch. Many have commented that there is only one way in and one way out of Crooked River Ranch - this route is NW 43rd Street. The Central Oregon Area Commission on Transportation (COACT), made up primarily of elected representatives of Central Oregon Counties and Cities, is a good forum to discuss long-range transportation plans for Central Oregon — including the areas such as Crooked River Ranch. Improving and developing a local system parallel to the state highways is a regular point of discussion for COACT, and a new connection within Jefferson County has been a commonly referenced example in the discussion. We continue to build a project contact information -distribution list for all those interested, and we will continue to record comments and questions within the project decision- making process. We will also continue looking for opportunities to meet with individuals, and continue public meetings as the project is developed. So if you would like to contact us, or for more information about the US 97 Crooked River Bridge to Redmond Reroute Project, please see the attached Project Information Paper. September 2007 Closure of Wimp Way Wimp Way Intersection ' f T t 0 500 1,000 2,000 3,000 Legend State Highway –*—)- Railroad County Route Taxlot Road Centerline The (nfamat m on this map was derived from dgdal databases m Deschutes County& G.I.S. Cara was taken in the creation of this map, but it is provided las le, Deschutes Comity cannot accept any responsitility fa arras, arassions, or positimal accuracy in the dgitel data or the underlying records. There are no warranties, express a implied, indudng the wanenty o merchantthlity a fitness for a pat cuter purpose, accanpanying this prodret However, notiticatim of any arras will be appreciated. 4,000 Feet Printed: September 15, 2008 wo Deschutes County Road Department Gait John Anderson, GIS Specialist Phone. (541) 322 7102 Email johnaeco.deuhWnor.w Address. 61150 5E 77th 4 Bend. OR 97702 P:WrcGIS ProJects\Road Department1Wlmp Way 3. Before the Board was Consideration of Signature of Order No. 2008-079, Directing the Permanent Closure of Wimp Way at the Intersection of U.S. Highway 97. George Kolb gave a brief overview of the item. ODOT requested the closure due to accident history and the hazardous left turns. It will be available for emergency services access. This is part of the reroute scheduled for 2009. It will not be closed until the Lower Bridge Way project has been completed. There were a lot of letters and comments against this closure. Brian Pasley, ODOT; and Jim Bryant, Principal Planner, ODOT, came before the Board. Mr. Pasley stated that there have been numerous public meetings over the past two years, at Crooked River Ranch and in Terrebonne. He feels that all of the questions and concerns were answered. There were no changes as a direct result of the meetings, but the impacts of closing Wimp Way was incorporated in the overall route improvement plan. Commissioner Luke said that Wimp Way was partially closed when the railroad bridge project took place. Some people still drove around the barriers. The option for residents now using Wimp Way is using Lower Bridge Way in the future. Mr. Pasley said that this closure is needed due to the volume of accidents. It is about ten times as dangerous for those movements at Wimp Way than at Lower Bridge Way. Commissioner Melton asked about the impact on residents in the area. Mr. Pasley said that there are not that many residents living on Wimp Way, perhaps ten. Commissioner Luke stated that there are other actions being taken. Mr. Pasley stated they are closing a driveway in the vicinity, at the top of the curve with poor sight distance. Another closure will be Barberry. Commissioner Luke said that a classification of an expressway is desired by ODOT, which means frontage roads would primarily be used and there would be fewer roads directly accessing Highway 97. All of the cities along the highway are supportive of this. Commissioner Daly noted that he recalls that Wimp Way actually was Highway 97 at one time. Commissioner Luke said they ran into obstacles with the railroad people in trying to develop options. Access on the west side of the river is a possible option that is being investigated by Jefferson County. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 2 of 11 Pages Commissioner Melton asked about the resident who has to close a driveway, and whether ODOT is working with them in this regard. Mr. Pasley said that they already have an existing access point that works better. Hope Johnson, a resident of Crooked River Ranch and speaking on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and the Ultimate Exit Committee. She is also speaking on behalf of Sheriff Jack Jones. She read a statement, indicating various concerns, the biggest of which is ending up with just one exit since the details of the emergency exit have not yet been worked out with the BLM. She said they realize it is a huge problem, but feel closing the road is wrong and about 5,000 people could be negatively impacted. She added that they were involved in various meetings and had hoped their concerns would have been given more consideration. This change could add about four miles to people's commute. Commissioner Luke stated that they are putting in a gate because of Mr. Jones' concerns. All of the changes are being made for safety reasons. There have been a lot of changes to the original plan. He added that he spent two years working on this project and walked the area. There was a lot of interaction with other counties, ODOT and the railroad to try to work something out. They are still working on adding another exit. Ideally another bridge over the Crooked River would help, but there is not sufficient funding for that kind of project. Ms. Johnson said they have been pursuing grants as well to try to find a resolution to the problem. Commissioner Luke stated that eventually there could be an interchange at Lower Bridge Way. Judy Callahan of Crooked River Ranch said it is safer to enter Highway 97 from Wimp Way than it is from Lower Bridge Way. Commissioner Luke said the biggest concern is people stopping to turn left across the highway. Ms. Callahan replied that most people going north on the Highway would turn instead at Lower Bridge. She added that she would like to see a speed limit of 45 MPH between Terrebonne and the Crooked River Ranch. Mr. Pasley said that by closing Barberry Lane, it will be possible to extend the merge lanes. Ms. Callahan asked if there is something showing the actual number of incidents. And she would like to see a signal light in Terrebonne, which would benefit the school and would slow down traffic. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 3 of 11 Pages Commissioner Luke stated this has been considered but it is nearly impossible to get a light in an unincorporated area on a State highway. This has also been an issue in Tumalo. A flashing yellow light is allowed, especially if there is a school nearby. Mr. Pasley confirmed that in regard to signals, they don't even come close to being able to justify it. It could back up traffic into the two-lane section, and a four -lane road would be needed to accommodate that. Ms. Callahan stated that a signal is badly needed at O'Neill Junction as well. Commissioner Luke said that O'Neill will eventually tie into the Redmond reroute. Ms. Callahan said that at O'Neill and Pershall it is very hazardous to enter the Highway. Mr. Bryant stated that the TSP with Redmond has been completed and they are considering a right in, right out, with eventually a bridge. The signal was rejected. Ms. Callahan said that there is more traffic entering Highway 97 now at that area due to the construction. Commissioner Luke noted that ODOT and the City will be doing more studies and there will likely be more changes made as needed. Joanne Meisner, of the Board of Directors of Crooked River Ranch stated they have letters of opposition regarding the closure of Wimp Way. She took exception to the so-called open meetings of ODOT; she said she attended all except one last week, and they usually will not take testimony. Lower Bridge Way is hazardous for making a left, two directions coming down a hill and a left turn lane going north, and the school buses have to make a left from Lower Bridge Way onto Highway 97. Sometimes people have to wait a while to use Wimp Way but it has better visibility. She said that ODOT is creating a monster. They don't want people turning left onto Wimp Way, but could look at correcting that problem by blocking it off partially but still allow a right turn. Commissioner Luke said if a barricade is placed there won't be any way to make a left onto the Highway. Ms. Meisner stated that perhaps a sign would work. Or perhaps a left turn lane could be added, making it safer. With this closure, everyone will be forced to use Lower Bridge Way. Commissioner Melton asked how someone towing a vehicle can turn onto Highway 97 off Lower Bridge Way. Mr. Pasley stated that they did traffic counts and built a simulation model for peak times. The queue lengths don't get too long but it does take some time to make a left turn. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 4 of 11 Pages Commissioner Melton asked how they determine how long is too long to wait. Mr. Pasley said they don't have a specific time for one turn but look at functionality as a whole. Commissioner Luke pointed out that the current configuration of Lower Bridge does not fit well for traffic, but the new design should improve this situation. Mr. Pasley said that Wimp Way would not be closed until ninety days after the completion of the Lower Bridge Way improvements. If things are not functioning as they believe they will, they can make changes at that time. Commissioner Luke said they looked at putting in a 10th Street underpass, and also looked at Eby. But funding ran out for ODOT. Ms. Meisner stated that no matter how you figure it, you have to worry about entering Highway 97 from Lower Bridge Way. People get impatient and make bad judgments when they enter traffic. Aaron Palmquist of Crooked River Ranch said that he appreciates the opportunity to speak today even though the Commissioners did not have to allow them to, but he feels the notice was not adequate. Commissioner Luke stated that there were many work sessions with people from the Ranch and a lot of testimony was already taken. Mr. Palmquist said there is an alternative exit committee working on the issue, and that process will continue. Commissioner Luke said that there are several subdivisions in the County that have only one road out. The County is working with others to make sure there is at least one other exit for emergency purposes. Mr. Palmquist stated that the perception is that Crooked River Ranch is a stepchild and does not get the attention that other areas do. The Ranch is built out by about 60%. The population could increase to 8,000 in the near future. On West Lower Bridge, ODOT needs to be aware of a development at the old dolomite area, and he predicts that Redmond will do a northwest run around Terrebonne for growth and that traffic will end up on Lower Bridge Way. A water main has already been put in that direction. A Sunriver type interchange or overpass is needed. He feels that more time is needed to analyze traffic counts, which should have been done over a larger period of time instead of a snapshot. ODOT did not like to change their approach. Traffic counts should be done at various times. The accident rates do not show a significant enough problem to close Wimp Way. The data points are very minimal now. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 5 of 11 Pages He recommends that instead of closing Wimp Way, a test period of 90 days should be given to make sure this is the right thing to do. The type of traffic varies in different times of the year. There are a lot of part-time residents using their property certain times of the year, and those people who tow recreational vehicles. In regard to traffic signals, ODOT has made it clear this is a closed issue. Mr. Pasley said there is an existing light and ODOT does not want to replace it. The Governor has mandated fewer lights for energy savings purposes and a definite need has to be shown to do anything further. The existing light will be going away eventually. Mr. Palmquist said that it should remain and it is dangerous to remove it. Perhaps someone else will pay for the cost if that is the issue. He added that local representatives have been contacted and he would like to see what these elected officials can do with working out something with the railroad. Discussions are occurring and this is not completely discounted. Perhaps the emergency exit could be through the State park. Commissioner Luke stated that he has been involved with this for years and he tried to push this through. The State Parks and the railroad have been approached and the railroad does not want its right of way breached. Mr. Palmquist feels that some time needs to be allowed for State representatives to work with the State and the railroad. Commissioner Luke said that the railroad is the hardest one to deal with but there may be a way to influence them. Mr. Palmquist added that at 19th and Wickiup, two new schools are going in. Traffic will go to Highway 97 and it will become more hazardous. It seems that this location would be addressedlong before Wimp Way. He feels that more needs to be done to look at the area regionally. Commissioner Melton asked about traffic counts. Mr. Pasley said that they are choosy about when they do the counts, usually over a 16 -hour period, and adjust those numbers to the season and the local land uses. Those variations are taken into account. ODOT plans out these types of projects over a long period of time, usually five to seven years, contingent on funding. It is not meant to be a twenty-year fix. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 6 of 11 Pages Commissioner Melton would like to discuss some of the options that have been presented. Commissioner Luke said that sometimes lights are not allowed and there are ways that a highway operates efficiently and safely. Spacing is important. All exceptions have to be justified. At times it is hard to deviate from the rules that have been established. They may not always be reasonable or logical, but they are the law. In regard to the emergency exit, Commissioner Daly said it would not be for everyday use. It would be through the BLM property off Lower Bridge Road, used only in case of a wildfire. It is there already. Commissioner Melton said that residents are concerned that this may not be sufficient. Commissioner Luke stated that there is only one way out of Crooked River Ranch. Commissioner Daly said that is actually at another subdivision, Sherwood Estates, but Ice is before that. Work continues on finding an alternative emergency exit. Commissioner Luke added that BLM and two counties are involved so it is time-consuming. Commissioner Melton asked about a light at Lower Bridge Way; if funding allowed it, is it a negotiating point. Mr. Pasley said that if the intersection is to be illuminated, it has to meet standards. Funding for long-term maintenance is the issue. Commissioner Melton said she gets the idea there will not be a formal evaluation of Lower Bridge Way prior to closing Wimp Way ninety days later. Commissioner Luke stated that when the improvements are done, you allow enough time for people to get used to the change. Commissioner Melton asked about the discussion between Bob Bryant, the railroad and State Parks. Commissioner Luke said that the railroad right of way is the biggest issue. Mr. Palmquist explained that those discussions continue but are challenging. Commissioner Melton asked if there would be any further studies. Mr. Pasley replied they will be doing another speed study. Commissioner Daly observed that ODOT does not have adequate funding and all of the suggested changes require a lot of money. The existing project costs over $8 million. Commissioner Melton asked what might happen if Wimp Way remained open. Mr. Pasley stated that it is clear in the over two years it has been studied, it is clear that accidents will continue to occur and the number and severity of those accidents will increase. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 7 of 11 Pages Commissioner Melton asked if a decision is not made today, if this will affect the work that ODOT is doing. She would like residents to have more time to comment and come up with other ideas. Commissioner Luke said that this has come up in many meetings and has been answered many times by ODOT and the County. There are people who will never be happy with the closure. Safety improvements can't happen at both Lower Bridge and Wimp Way. Highway 97 is becoming an expressway and will only get busier. Accidents and fatalities will occur if safety improvements are not made. If Terrebonne incorporates things could change. Partnerships are needed but aren't there yet. Commissioner Bellamy knows the area well and ODOT listened to him. Lower Bridge Way is not a good location but an overpass is not possible at this time. Commissioner Melton asked if it there is a way to leverage the need with the secondary access, working with ODOT and the BLM. Commissioner Luke said that these are two separate issues, and it took about twelve years to get the emergency access out of Deschutes River Woods, plus money. This cannot wait that long. He suggested that Commissioner Melton could take this on as a personal project. Commissioner Daly said that his perspective is this is a safety issue. It is the most dangerous thing to do, making a left turn on a two-lane major highway, hoping that the vehicle behind will see you stopped. This is a dangerous location and after spending years as a patrolman, he has seen what happens when these wrecks happen. This particular situation is the worst. If his decision to close it saves even one or two lives, it will be worth it. There will be a gate and a turnout for emergency evacuation. There may be changes in the future but at this point it is the sensible thing to do. It will take a lot of money to be able to do anything different. Commissioner Luke said that there is a continual evaluation of the entire corridor, as he sits in on those meetings. It is not like they take an action such as this without considering it before, during and afterwards. Mr. Bryant says that a speed study will be done, and over time the planned improvements will help with safety. An evaluation of the corridor is ongoing as there are always ways to improve it. Commissioner Melton said she feels that perhaps the issue should be closed and maybe there should not have been a hearing today. Commissioner Luke said this was not a hearing but testimony was allowed out of courtesy to citizens. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 8 of 11 Pages DALY: Move approval of Order No. 2008-079. LUKE: Second. VOTE: MELTON: Yes. DALY: Yes. LUKE: Chair votes yes. Before the Board was Consideration of Approval of the Consent Agenda. DALY: Move approval of the Consent Agenda. MELTON: Second. VOTE: MELTON: Yes. DALY: Yes. LUKE: Chair votes yes. Consent Agenda Items 4. Approval of Document No. 2008-514, Notice of Intent to Award the Drug Free Communities Support Program Grant from the Department of Health & Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 5. Signature of Document No. 2008-511, an Agreement with Jefferson Behavioral Health for Mental Health Services for Clients in or near Southern Deschutes County 6. Signature of Document No. 2008-500, an Amendment to a Contract for Subgrant for Family Access Network Services 7. Signature of Resolution No. 2008-128, Transferring Appropriations within the Sheriffs Office Fund 8. Signature of Resolution No. 2008-129, Transferring Appropriations within the Accountable Behavioral Health Alliance (ABHA) Fund 9. Signature of Resolution No. 2008-130, Transferring Appropriations within the Community Justice — Juvenile Fund 10. Signature of a Letter Accepting the Resignation of Beth Quinn from the Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board, and Thanking her for her Service 11. Approval of Minutes: • Business Meetings: September 10 • Work Sessions: April 23; September 3, 10 and 15 Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 9 of 11 Pages JOHN E. HUFFMAN State Representative - House District 59 Oregon House of Representatives June 1, 2009 Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall Street Suite 200 Bend, Oregon 97701 Re: Wimp Way Dear Commissioners: 1 JUN - 4 2009 BOARD OF COMM( ADMINISTRATION RECEIVED JUN - 9 2009 DESCHUTES CO ROAD DEPT As you know, there has been Tess than enthusiastic support among stakeholders, as well as Deschutes and Jefferson County residents, concerning your decision to close Wimp Way. The reason cited by ODOT, is the safety of the intersection of Wimp Way and Highway 97. in our opinion, that has not been substantiated by statistics regarding number of accidents. There are actually more accidents at the intersection of Lower Bridge Way and Highway 97, as well as many other intersections in Central Oregon, than there are at the Wimp Way junction. Closing Wimp Way is opposed by virtually all official bodies in the area, including but not limited to the Crooked River Ranch Homeowner's Association, the Crooked River Ranch Chamber of Commerce, the Crooked River Ranch Rural Fire Protection District, the Jefferson County Sheriff, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, the Madras -Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, the Culver School District and many residents along Wimp Way and Ice Avenue. Reasons for the opposition include health and safety issues, limiting an additional access to Crooked River Ranch, economic development and emergency services issues. At this time, we the undersigned would like to request that you reevaluate the closing of Wimp Way, and let us know the outcome. We respectfully request documentation to substantiate your decision. Sin P. JOHN E. H FFM House D' = ict 59 E Senat'' istrict 30 REP. GENE WHISNANT pistil t5 H s SEN. CHRIS TEL Senate District 27 Capitol: 900 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301 - (503) 986-1459 - Email: rep.johnhuffman®state.or.us nn n-nco tZA Is 'Sous engin regon Theodore R. Kulongoski, Governor February 19, 2009 Hope A. Johnson, Executive Director Crooked River Ranch — Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors PO Box 1502 Crooked River Ranch, OR 97760 Oregon Transportation Commission 355 Capitol S:. NE Salem, OR 973013871 FILE CODE: Subject: U.S. 97 at Wimp Way (U.S. 97: Crooked River Bridge — Redmond Project) Dear Ms. Johnson, Thank you for your letter dated December 30, 2009 regarding the planned closure of Wimp Way to U.S. 97 as part of the U.S. 97 Crooked River Bridge to Redmond construction project. I apologize for the delay in responding and I do understand your concerns. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) takes safety very seriously. The Oregon Transportation Commission is also very concerned about the current and long-term function of U.S. 97 as a designated Expressway and Freight Route. We continue to Iook for opportunities to improve safety and reduce the number of traffic conflict points at driveways and road approaches all along the U.S. 97 corridor. I have checked with the ODOT Region 4 staff to learn more about the situation at Wimp Way. I believe that they reached what appears to be a very responsible decision regarding the closure, a decision reached after substantial public involvement. I understand that many residents who live along Wimp Way and Ice Avenue support the closure for public safety reasons, even at the sacrifice of their own convenience of access to U.S. 97. Your letter questions whether safety at the Wimp Way intersection is really a problem given the crash statistics. Crash statistics are one factor in safety analysis. The fact remains that this intersection is at a location where there are increasing traffic volumes and high speeds on U.S. 97, coming out of a curve from the railroad bridge on a downgrade, and in an unexpected location for those traveling on U.S. 97 (particularly with more and more travelers who are unfamiliar with the area). Our goal is to invest in safety improvements at strategic locations to ensure safer access to geographic areas along the U.S. 97 corridor. Your letter states there is only one way on and off of the ranch. I share your concern that having only this one exit route is a very tenuous public safety circumstance for ranch residents. However, I believe installation of an emergency access gate at U.S. 97/Wimp Way should solve this problem, as well as providing access for emergency responders. The emergency access design will assure that there is no effect on response time. Your letter also states that Wimp Way currently allows some of the ranch traffic to divert at Ice Avenue and head north on U.S. 97, minimizing the traffic back-up at the intersection of Lower Bridge Form 731-0378 (1-03) Hope A. Johnson February 19, 2009 Page 2 Way and U.S. 97. Although this makes sense, it appears from the current and forecasted usage, the amount of traffic using the Wimp access to U.S. 97 is small in comparison with Lower Bridge Way where major safety and congestion improvements will now be built. Your letter raises concerns about school children and their bus travel time to school. My understanding is that the additional travel distance one-way would be about 2 miles, so it isn't clear to me why ten minutes would be added to the trip. Frankly, the risk of children's safety as buses access the highway versus the inconvenience of a few extra minutes travel seems a prudent choice to me. I appreciate your request to take another look at the issue. I have considered the input, and my impression is that the decision has been well thought out, with staff taking a significant amount of input to complete the project design. I also understand that the Deschutes County Commission heard all of the input and review findings, including those citizen issues raised in your letter, and found that the concerns were properly addressed, far outweighed by concerns over existing intersection safety. If you have further comments or questions, please feel free to contact the Region 4 Area Manager, Gary Farnsworth, at (541) 388-6071. Sincerely, Gail Achterman, Chair Oregon Transportation Commission Enclosure Cc: Robert Bryant, Region 4 Manager Gene Moe, CRR resident, voting member of COACT Aaron Palmquist, Crooked River Ranch Manager Representative Whisnant Representative Huffman