The Oregon Department of Transportation announced on March 25 that construction crews have started upgrading curb ramps in North Powder to meet current standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The project aims to improve safety and accessibility for all travelers.
The upgrades are part of a broader initiative that includes similar improvements in Richland and Halfway. According to the department, these efforts are designed to make travel safer and more accessible for everyone.
In North Powder, crews will begin by setting up traffic control measures and temporary signage before replacing existing curb ramps. Work is scheduled to start at A Street and progress toward the center of town, with completion expected by early June. Crews plan to return to Halfway in June, finishing those upgrades by July. Construction in Richland is slated for July through September.
All curb ramp work across these communities is scheduled for completion by October 2026, though officials caution that timelines may shift due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
During construction periods, travelers should expect intermittent shoulder and lane closures as well as flaggers directing traffic. Access to businesses will remain open throughout the process, and pedestrian access will be maintained either through or around active work zones.
