Safety and Speed Improvements

Overview

Based on input collected at previous public outreach events, speed and safety is a major concern at the Cline Falls Highway and Tumalo Road intersection. This intersection serves as a transition point between rural roadways with higher speeds to a lower-speed downtown community area. The intersection is part of the Twin Bridges State Scenic Byway bicycle route and provides access to a popular river takeout spot on the northeast corner.

As the northern entry point to the active Tumalo downtown core area, a more significant intersection improvement such as a roundabout would help lower vehicle speeds and enhance the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.

In the short term, there are several improvements that could enhance safety of both pedestrians and bicyclists traveling to and from the Tumalo downtown core area. These include the recommendations listed below.

Safety and Speed Control Recommendations

• Intersection improvement at Cline Falls Highway and Tumalo Road. An example roundabout concept is shown in Exhibits.

• Implement a raised intersection at Cook Avenue and 4th Street as an interim treatment before a more significant improvement is developed (See Exhibits for example)

• Widen shoulders on Tumalo Road from the Deschutes River bridge to Swalley Road (approx. 1 mile) to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety

• Widen shoulders on Cline Falls Highway from Tumalo Road to Highland Drive to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety

• Implement dynamic speed warning signs on Cline Falls Highway and Tumalo Road to reduce speeds

• Implement an enhanced entry statement at Cline Falls Highway and Tumalo Road to signify to drivers that they are entering an active downtown area

A concept map with these recommendations is shown in Exhibits to the right.

Feedback for the Safety and Speed Improvements Concepts will be collected in the final room, Feedback and Next Steps.