ODOT has removed Brett Jarolimek’s ghost bike: Here’s why
A ghost bike for Brett Jarolimek (L) has been removed by ODOT.
Oregon Department of Transportation
Love ’em or strongly dislike ’em, this is our state DOT.
ODOT ready to install 29 new bikeway signs near I-5 bridge
Mock-up of one of 29 new signs created by ODOT to guide bike traffic near I-5 bridge. Last week we reported on unauthorized signage near the I-5 Bridge that was installed by a citizen activist to help bike traffic navigate the winding paths to Vancouver. The person who painted the stencils and posted laminated maps … Read more
ODOT will remove unauthorized bike signage near I-5 bridge – UPDATED
Unauthorized and subject to removal.(Photo: Todd Boulanger) The new signage and markings on the paths leading up to the I-5 bridge have been hailed as a much-needed improvement. Unfortunately, since they are unauthorized, the Oregon Department of Transportation says they plan to remove them. After getting a phone call from a reader this morning who … Read more
ODOT to distribute reflective arm bands to keep people safe – UPDATED
New arm bands being given away by ODOT to help remedy uptick in fatalities.(Photo: ODOT) As reported by The Oregonian this morning, the Oregon Department of Transportation has launched a traffic safety campaign. Under the ‘See and be seen’ banner, ODOT’s effort is aimed squarely at what they see as a major problem on Oregon’s … Read more
Mayor Adams requests state funding for 7 ‘non-highway’ projects
The Oregon Department of Transportation is set to award $21 million to “non-highway” transportation projects throughout the state as per their Flexible Funds program. Of that amount, Portland officials expect about $2.2 million to be awarded locally and today Mayor Sam Adams sent in his list of project requests. In the last go ’round of … Read more
Final weeks to comment on ODOT’s Traffic Safety Action Plan
Cover of Oregon’s Traffic Safety Action Plan. Did you know that traffic crashes are the leading cause of death in Oregon for people under 35 years of age? Or that every year, traffic crashes in Oregon result in an estimated $2.58 billion in total economic loss — that’s about $657 dollars per Oregon resident*. The … Read more
Changes at ODOT could lead to new era for active transportation
ODOT’s move could level the playing field for active transportation.(Photos © J. Maus) As I reported on Tuesday, a major organizational shift is taking shape at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). For the first time ever, ODOT will have an official Active Transportation “section” within the agency. ODOT Director Matt Garrett made the announcement … Read more
New “Active Transportation” section to be created within ODOT
ODOT Director Garrett says the shift will help make the agency more “efficient and multimodal.”(Photo © J. Maus) Matt Garrett, Director of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has sent out a memo via email to staff and stakeholders throughout the state that he is moving forward with a significant structural shift for the agency. … Read more
‘Drive Less, Save More’ campaign survives budget scrutiny in Salem – Updated
House Rep. Mike McLane (R-Medford)2 “Drive Less, Save More,” a marketing campaign run by a PR firm for the Oregon Department of Transportation, came under fire this week as Oregon legislators worked to trim the state’s transportation budget. A freshman Republican lawmaker, House Rep Mike McLane (Medford), led a push with support from several colleagues … Read more
Are Oregon bike funds headed back to D.C.?
Thanks to budget wrangling on Capitol Hill, the threat of federal recissions have reared their ugly head once again. Recissions are when the federal government takes back unspent transportation funds. This time around, it looks like about $2.5 billion is set to go from state coffers back to Washington D.C. The fear is that when … Read more
ODOT expresses “disappointment” in AASHTO guidelines stance
“I want to express my disappointment at AASHTO’s recent comments… Oregon takes bicycling and walking very seriously.”— Matthew Garrett, Director of ODOT The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has responded to a recent policy stance by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) that some fear would weaken federal guidelines that exist … Read more
Tonight: Three-day workshop for I-5/Rose Quarter traffic revamp begins
Just another day on Broadway near I-5.(Photo © J. Maus) Tonight at ODOT headquarters in Northwest Portland, City and state transportation officials will host a public meeting to discuss how to best improve the transportation system around the I-5/Broadway/Weidler interchange near the Rose Quarter. The event is part of the N/NE Quadrant Project, a “unique … Read more
Comment of the Week: The public health angle should matter more