Travelers in La Grande, Haines, and Sumpter should prepare for minor delays from March 2 to March 6 as crews conduct soil sampling along sidewalks and highway shoulders. The work is being done in preparation for the Eastern Oregon 2024-2027 ADA curb ramps project, phase 3.
The schedule may change if weather conditions require it. Updates will be provided as needed.
Drilling at each location is expected to last only an hour or two. The activity will result in parking lane and shoulder closures, as well as limited sidewalk closures. Pedestrian access through or around the work zones will be maintained, and businesses will remain open and accessible during the process. Flaggers and traffic control measures will be present to guide vehicles safely around the affected areas.
The soil sampling involves drilling and collecting materials to determine if any hazardous compounds are present that would need special handling during construction. This testing ensures safe removal of materials by contractors and proper disposal procedures. Results from the samples help identify locations where specially trained personnel may be required and prevent contamination of clean fill materials.
A third-party contractor will perform the sampling.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to update curb ramps in eastern Oregon to meet current ADA standards, aiming to improve safety and accessibility throughout the region.
Phase 3 of this project is scheduled to go out for bid in June with construction planned for later this fall.
For more information about the project or updates on work in northeast Oregon counties such as Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, and Baker, interested individuals can sign up for email updates or visit the Eastern Oregon 2024-2027 ADA curb ramps phase 3 webpage.
In addition, public comment is now open on ODOT’s draft 2027–2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which outlines how state and federal funds are allocated for transportation projects including public transit improvements, new bike paths, road repaving, bridge maintenance, and safety upgrades across Oregon. Members of the public can review projects through an online open house available until March 20 and submit feedback by March 31 via the online platform or by emailing ODOT.STIP@odot.oregon.gov. More details are available on the STIP website.
According to ODOT, community input helps shape transportation planning decisions that affect local residents.
