A section of U.S. 101 running through downtown Garibaldi has been upgraded following a year-long project aimed at improving safety and accessibility. City officials and representatives from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) marked the completion with a ribbon cutting during the Garibaldi Days celebration.
The $14.5 million project focused on rebuilding and repaving one mile of highway between 1st Street and 12th Street. The work included new sidewalks, curb ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, improved drainage, designated bus stop pull-outs, and updated street signage to assist wayfinding in the area.
Matthew Johnson, Assistant Resident Engineer for the project, said, “U.S. 101 is more than just a highway here—it’s the main street of Garibaldi. This project reflects our shared commitment to maintaining and improving it for future generations.”
Additional features included upgrades at rail crossings on 3rd Street and 7th Street to improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
Final landscaping and minor site work are expected to finish later this year.
Bill Jablonski, Area 1 Manager, commented on community involvement: “The Garibaldi community has been incredibly supportive and patient throughout construction. These upgrades make the highway not just safer, but more welcoming and functional for all.”
Funding for the improvements came from sources separate from ODOT’s maintenance budget crisis. According to ODOT, most construction projects continue because they use state or federal funds restricted by law for development rather than ongoing operations or maintenance costs. More information about ODOT’s funding situation can be found on their website: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Pages/default.aspx
Details about the completed U.S. 101: Urban Upgrades project are available online: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/projects/pages/project-details.aspx?project=21202
For road conditions or traffic alerts statewide, travelers can visit tripcheck.com or call 5-1-1.
