The Oregon Department of Transportation announced on March 27 that construction will begin April 1 at the intersection of OR 451 and U.S. 20 in Vale, with work expected to continue into May. The project will bring pedestrian safety improvements to the railroad crossing in this area.
This project aims to improve safety and mobility for students and other pedestrians who use this route. Travelers should expect occasional shoulder and single-lane closures during construction, with flaggers directing traffic as needed.
Planned improvements include building a new sidewalk and installing traffic separators—flexible posts placed on the roadway—to guide drivers and create safer, more visible spaces for pedestrians along the south side of OR 451 from Viking Drive to Elm Street. Additionally, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps will be constructed at the intersection of OR 451 and Viking Drive, as well as on the southwest and southeast corners of Elm Street. A crosswalk marker will also be installed from the new sidewalk and curb ramps to a pedestrian island.
For more information about this project or other projects in eastern Oregon, residents can visit the Region 5 Eastern Oregon project webpage or contact Vicki Moles, Community Affairs Specialist at ODOT.
