City of Hood River takes ownership of OR 281 to advance Heights Streetscape Plan
 The City of Hood River assumed jurisdiction over this section of OR 281 from ODOT as of July 1, 2026.
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July 7, 2026
HOOD RIVER – The City of Hood River officially assumed jurisdiction of OR 281 within the city limits on July 1, marking the completion of a two-year transition with the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The transfer shifts ownership and maintenance responsibility for the highway from Oak Street to Pacific Avenue, including the 12th and 13th Street couplet.
The jurisdictional transfer paves the way for the city’s Heights Streetscape Plan, a long-term project designed to improve safety and access for people walking, biking, taking transit and driving through one of Hood River’s busiest commercial areas.
“Gaining local control of OR 281 is a major milestone toward fulfilling of our community’s vision for this key roadway in Hood River’s vibrant Heights Business District,” Hood River Mayor Paul Blackburn said.
As part of the agreement, ODOT is providing the city with more than $4 million to support improvements along the corridor. The funding includes $2.3 million for paving and other roadway improvements and $1.7 million to construct curb ramps that meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
The city will build many of the ADA-compliant curb ramps as part of its streetscape project, allowing the work to be coordinated with the roadway redesign. ODOT will complete the remaining curb ramp improvements required under the agency's ADA update responsibilities.
“ODOT has been working with the city for years to help develop the Hights Streetscape plan and is proud to be a partner in bringing the community’s vision to life,” ODOT Region 1 Manager Rian Windsheimer said.
Background
OR 281 historically served as the primary route connecting Hood River with agricultural areas to the south. The highway became part of the state highway system in 1931 and was rerouted through the city onto the 12th and 13th Street couplet in 1941.
Today, the corridor primarily serves local traffic, while regional travel is largely accommodated by OR 35. A traffic study conducted during development of the streetscape plan found that heavy trucks make up just over 2% of traffic through the Heights, with more efficient freight routes available on OR 35 and county roads west of the corridor.
The transferred section of OR 281 has primarily received routine and basic maintenance in recent decades, including pothole repairs and sign replacement. The pavement is currently rated in fair to poor condition. Given its relatively low traffic volumes and slower speeds, the corridor has not ranked as highly for major statewide investments as other highway needs.
The Heights Streetscape Plan was developed over four years with extensive community input. The project is intended to improve safety and accessibility supporting businesses and community destinations throughout the Heights District.
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