Sidewalk Hustlers pushin’ hard path before school open
Crews level and finish concrete along west 10th Street this morning, as traffic has been shutdown to traffic for multiple days since the improvements began where Hostetler Street intersects with 10th.
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 19, 2025 — Construction on West 10th Street was in high gear this morning as new sidewalks were poured just east of Hostetler Street next to Wahtonka High School, part of a race to finish key safety upgrades before students return to classrooms Sept. 3.
The $1.5 million project, carried out by Crestline Construction, is infilling sidewalks on the east side of 10th Street between Snipes Street and Chenowith Loop Road. Crews will also add crosswalk improvements at Emerson Drive and Chenowith Loop, widen shoulders along Chenowith Loop, and install a temporary walkway lined with cones and posts to protect pedestrians during construction. City officials said they are pushing to complete as much of the work as possible before the first day of school.
Jorge Guerra finishes some edging around a new sidewalk ramp across the street from the football field at Wahtonka High school this morning, Aug. 19.
For years, families have voiced concerns about students walking on the edge of busy traffic lanes with no sidewalks or safe crossings. City officials say this project is designed to close those gaps.
“This is about safe routes to school,” city staff said in the project summary. “These improvements will give parents peace of mind while making the area more accessible for the entire community.”
Work runs weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the end of August. While residents and businesses may see temporary driveway disruptions, city officials say delays should be minimal thanks to detours and flagger-controlled traffic. Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to use the west side of 10th Street until the project is finished.
Funding for the project comes largely from a $1.9 million Oregon Department of Transportation grant, with $200,000 each contributed by the City of The Dalles and District 21 School District. The total cost was originally estimated at $2.4 million, leaving a surplus that city leaders have indicated could go toward sidewalks on West 7th Street, another school route still lacking pedestrian infrastructure.
For families in the Chenowith Elementary area, the changes will mean safer daily commutes and a long-awaited investment in neighborhood walkability.
