ODOT to hold workshops for I-84 corridor strategy

Daily Journal of Commerce (Portland, OR), Jan 5, 2005 by Cody McCullough

The Oregon Department of Transportation recently announced it is collaborating with a team of public agencies to develop a long-term strategy for the Interstate 84 corridor in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

The I-84 corridor strategy will guide design, construction and management activities in the corridor, including several projects that ODOT will be working on in the Columbia River Gorge area in association with the Oregon Transportation Investment Act III State Bridge Delivery Program.

This is a very special area, so it merits special attention and focus, said Lissa Willis, spokeswoman for the OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program with ODOT. The Columbia River Gorge is a national treasure, and we want to make sure we do the right thing.

Currently, ODOT is working with the Columbia River Gorge Commission, the U.S. Forest Service, the Federal Highway Administration and counties within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. In addition to the public agency partners, ODOT has selected a consultant team led by Otak Inc. to assist in developing the I-84 corridor strategy.

According to ODOT officials, the I-84 corridor strategy will provide the framework to help ODOT manage and improve the interstate in a manner that meets public safety and transportation needs while also meeting National Scenic Area provisions.

In order to develop the I-84 corridor strategy, a series of public workshops will be held this month that will ask the public for input and ideas to inform development of the vision statement, goals and objectives of the corridor strategy, and to provide suggestions to help shape design guidelines for the corridor.

The first public meeting will be held in Troutdale on Jan. 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Edgefield Inn, 2126 S.W. Halsey St. The second meeting will be held in Corbett on Jan. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at Corbett Elementary School, 35800 Historic Columbia River Highway. Another meeting will be held in Cascade Locks on Jan. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Charburger Restaurant, 745 WaNaPa St. A fourth meeting will be held in Hood River on Jan. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hood River Inn, 1108 E. Marina Way. The last meeting will be held in The Dalles on Jan. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at The Discovery Center, 5000 Discovery Drive.

Additional public meetings will be held in the spring to present early design concepts and ideas and in the summer to present the draft I-84 corridor strategy and design guidelines. The corridor strategy is expected to be completed by the fall.