Title
Resolution No. 19-33, Supporting 2022-2024 Regional Flexible Funds for the Highway 99E Biking and Walking Project (McLoughlin Boulevard Phase 3)
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION (Motion):
Approval of Resolution No. 19-33.
BACKGROUND:
Oregon City has applied to Metro for grant money for pedestrian and roadway improvements to McLoughlin Boulevard from 10th Street to the tunnel. The Highway 99E Biking and Walking Project is the third and final phase of the 2005 McLoughlin Boulevard Enhancement Plan. Additional design elements will provide safer pedestrian and bicycle access between McLoughlin Boulevard (Highway 99E), the Willamette Falls Riverwalk, and Downtown Oregon City.
With construction of Phase I of the Riverwalk anticipated to begin in 2020, it is crucial that we complete the planning and design for the Highway 99E Biking and Walking Project. The project will encourage investing and property revitalization on McLoughlin Boulevard through completion of the street design for Highway 99E from the tunnel to 10th Street. These improvements are planned to be designed within the existing public right-of-way.
Currently, lack of proper lighting, crumbling sidewalks not wide enough to provide a barrier from adjacent fast-moving traffic, and dilapidated railings make people feel unsafe and unwilling to walk or bike to their destination along 99E. This important design grant is the needed next step before the City can apply for construction funding for this stretch of 99E.
To view the complete grant application, please visit: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/public-projects/regional-flexible-funding-transportation-projects/proposed-projects and click on the "Highway 99E Biking and Walking Project (City of Oregon City)". You can also view the project website here: https://www.orcity.org/publicworks/oregon-city-pedestrian-and-bike-project-needs-your-help .