First phase of Sidewalk Ramp Construction Underway on Union
Passersby Maria Sandoval and her daughter Eimy, 11, were excited to hear that sidewalks would be receiving ADA ramps. “Anything to help the neighborhood would be nice,” they said.
Be sure to slow for the cone this week!
The City of The Dalles Public Works has begin the installation of stormwater catch basins on Union Street between 9th Street and 7th Street. The purpose of this work is to relocate stormwater catch basins ahead of the installation of sidewalk ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Construction is expected to be completed by Wednesday, April 28, 2021.
Pictured: a storm water catch basin.
The project is part of a long-term program to bring City infrastructure into compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
In 2018 the City conducted a self-evaluation of policies, practices, programs for accessibility. As well as inspections of all of the ADA ramps within the City's right of way to document the compliance of the ramps with standards set forward by the federal government. Annual ADA upgrade projects began after June of 2019 when the City Council adopted the ADA Transition Plan which was guided by input from a Technical Advisory Committee and a Public Advisory Committee as well as comments received in two public meetings.
“The current project will be just one step in many steps to improve the accessibility of our sidewalks to not only people with disabilities but to everyone that uses them,” said Michael H. Bosse PE, Project Engineer and ADA Coordinator at the City of The Dalles Public Works. “The City will now have annual ADA ramp upgrade projects to construct new ramps that meet accessibility requirements. In the coming years, we will continue the evaluation of the entire sidewalk system.”
Scott Mckay, director of The Mid-Columbia Senior Center expressed support for the project.
“Anything the city can do to improve accessibility whether curb cuts or new sidewalks will enhance the livability of our communities. We will all get older and some of us will need to rely on a wheelchair or a motorized scooter to visit friends or go to the store. Having safe and accessible sidewalks is one step towards creating an age friendly community,” said McKay.
Work taking place on 9th and Union.
The schedule of road and sidewalk closures for the ADA Compliance Project taking place this April is as follows:
On April 26, 2021 the intersection of Union Street and 9th Street – Full road and sidewalk closures will be in place at Union Street and 8th Street, Union Street at 10th Street, E 9th Street and Court Street and W 9th Street and Liberty Street. Local access by prearrangement.
On April 27, 2021, the intersection of Union Street and 8th Street - Full road and sidewalk closures will be in place at Union Street and 7th Street, Union Street at 9th Street, E 8th Street and Court Street and W 8 th Street and Liberty Street. Local access by prearrangement.
On April 28, 2021 the intersection of Union Street and 7th Street - Full road and sidewalk closures will be in place at Union Street and 8th Street, Union Street at the State Office Building parking lot access, E 7 th Street and Court Street. Local access by prearrangement.
Work is scheduled each day from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to use alternate routes. Please proceed with caution in this area and observe all temporary traffic control devices. The City of The Dalles would like to say thank you for your assistance during this work.
If you have questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (541) 296-5401.
