Upgraded flashing beacons being installed on OR 99W in South Corvallis

Jan. 17, 2020

For more information:
Angela Beers Seydel, ODOT Public Information Officer, 541-726-2442
Patrick Rollens, City of Corvallis Public Information Officer, 541-766-6368                                                                                                                                                         

CORVALLIS – New, upgraded flashing beacons are scheduled to be installed at four marked mid-block crossings on OR 99W in South Corvallis starting next week. The new lights and signs are designed to create safer crossing locations for pedestrians and raise driver awareness of the crossings. This is a joint project of the City of Corvallis and the Oregon Department of Transportation and planning began over a year ago.

New flashing beacon lights and pedestrian crossing warning signs are scheduled to be installed by the end of the month. The first location where lights and signs will be installed will be the crossing near Chapman Place. The other crossings to receive upgrades are located mid-block near SE Lilly Ave, near SE Mayberry Ave, and near SE Richland Ave.

The new bright yellow-green signs are reflective, similar to those in other areas of Corvallis. Temporary pedestrian warning signs are currently in place at the Chapman Place crossing.

The overhead street lights will soon be brighter on the west side of OR 99W near the mid-block crossing at Chapman Place, with the current fixture set to be replaced with a higher wattage light fixture, and speed radar signs are being installed near the intersection for both northbound and southbound traffic. Vegetation in the crosswalk is being removed to increase visibility.

In November green and white striping was added next to the First Alternative Co-op to raise awareness where bikes, pedestrians and cars may cross paths. ADA curb ramps will be installed and upgraded through the area, beginning this summer.

ODOT is beginning the South Corridor Refinement Study to look at ways to improve the pedestrian and bicyclist experience when traveling in South Corvallis. Opportunities for community members to be involved in this process will be available as the project moves forward.

Access for pedestrians, including those with disabilities, is available and identified through or around the work zones.