ODOT Looking To Add Pedestrian And Bike Lanes To 101 In Taft

ODOT has been talking with officials in Lincoln City to look at ways to improve walking, biking and rolling along U.S. 101. This project is focused on the downtown area between SW Beach Street and SW 51st Avenue. The effort is known as an Urban Design Verification, or UDV, study.

The goal of this study is to find cost-effective ways to make travel safer and easier for people to walk, bike or roll through the Taft District. The project is also focused on supporting the local economy and improving access to small businesses along U.S. 101. ODOT will be providing public information about the project on Friday October 30th from 1-3 pm at the Pines Dine in the Utopia Gathering Room upstairs.

We're going to be sharing information with you about the design options being studied for improving travel along U.S. 101. Later in this online open house, you will have the opportunity to tell us what matters most to you to help us develop solutions that are right for the community.  

U.S. 101 is a state highway, which changes coordination requirements with Lincoln City. By studying this area now, we can identify the right improvements before future road projects are planned so we’re ready to act when funding and opportunities arise. Defining these priorities now also helps make the most of limited resources and positions ODOT and the City to pursue grant funding as it becomes available. 

This study is planning now to get ahead of long-standing issues in the Taft District, including:

• Safety: There is a documented history of speeding, serious crashes and limited places to safely cross U.S. 101 through this area.

• Lack of cycling and walking opportunities: Walking through this area is uncomfortable given the existing sidewalks are close to traffic. There are also no continuous bike lanes through this portion of U.S. 101 despite being part of the Oregon Coast Bike Route.

• Limited parking: There is limited on-street parking for people and freight trying to access local businesses.

The type of projects we could add potential improvements identified in this study to include: 

• Safe Routes to School projects. 

• Maintenance projects. 

• ADA projects – adding sidewalks, ramps or paving.

We plan to complete this study by the end of the year. 

Share your experience

Your feedback matters – tell us what challenges you face as you travel through the study area. Your input will help us develop solutions that are right for you and your community!

In the coming pages, you'll get a chance to look at some of the solutions the team is exploring and at the end of the open house, you'll have a chance to share feedback by filling out the survey. ODOT will be taking public comment through an online open house available now through November 22nd.