Safe Routes To Schools Project Set To Begin On Harney Street

The Newport City Council approved a construction contract for the long-planned Safe Route to School project on Harney Street, clearing the way for major street and sidewalk upgrades ahead of the coming school year. Some of the work is underway and there are one lane closures between 3rd street and Highway 20 along Harney street. The council voted to award the Moore Harney U.S. 20 intersection and street improvement project to Road and Driveway Company in the amount of $1,919,879.02, authorizing the city manager to execute the contract subject to final review by the city attorney.

The project will improve Harney Street between U.S. 20 and Northeast Seventh Street, including a new sidewalk on the west side, replacement of existing sidewalks and driveways where needed, and new ADA-compliant ramps at all intersections. Additional work will include lane striping, storm drainage and landscaping. According to city staff the project has been in development for some time in coordination with Community Development, ODOT, Road and Driveway, and adjacent property owners.

Construction is expected to begin July 6th right after the Lincoln County Fair, and be substantially complete by Sept. 4, before school starts. Harney street between 3rd and 7th is currently closed for the Lincoln County Fair. Staff pointed out that Road and Driveway has a strong incentive to finish quickly because the work is “on their front doorstep” and they want the area reopened for their own operations.

As part of a separate project, the Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT) will add dedicated turn lanes to the northbound and southbound approaches at the intersection of US 20, NE Harney St., and NE Moore Dr. The project also includes new crosswalks and upgraded traffic signals to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists while enhancing overall traffic flow. Construction is expected to begin in 2027. Progress on this project can be tracked online at Oregon.gov/ODOT.

Councilors also raised questions about coordination with ODOT’s planned Highway 20 work and about previous approvals for townhomes at the north end of Harney. Staff said they did not want overlapping contractors at the intersection and explained that the townhome developer will be responsible for future roadway improvements there, though the city’s project will set the approach to accommodate that work later.

As part of the project, several trees along Harney will be removed to make room for sidewalks and improve visibility. Staff said they will try to protect some tree clusters near the U.S. 20 intersection that screen nearby buildings, and the project includes replanting and installation of a slatted fence to soften visual impacts. Larger trees 24 inches or more in diameter are typically set aside for the Department of Forestry to use in stream projects, but staff said the trees on this stretch of Harney are smaller and unlikely to be repurposed.

During construction, increased construction activity along NE Harney St. can be expected. Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible to help reduce congestion and improve safety for work crews. Any temporary road closures or significant traffic impacts will be announced in advance. The Safe Routes to School project will include several improvements designed to increase safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists, including:

• Extension of the sidewalk along the west side of NE Harney St. to US 20

• Improved bicycle lanes

• New and enhanced crosswalks

• Accessibility ramps

• Additional signage and safety features for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists

• Stormwater line improvements

• Pavement rehabilitation

The project is intended to encourage students to walk and bike to school by improving infrastructure and removing barriers that make active transportation difficult or unsafe. It is funded through more than $1 million in grants from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Safe Routes to School Program, with additional funding provided by the City of Newport Urban Renewal Agency.