The City of Hood River and Urban Renewal Agency Board (URAB) are moving forward with refinements for the Heights Streetscapes design. After multiples rounds of feedback from key community partners and public input during our open house in April 2022, the Agency Board selected a hybrid design, that includes one-way traffic and a bike path on 12th Street and two-way traffic on 13th Street as its preferred design alternative. However, as the City proceeds with the selected concept, attention to street details and decisions are needed to finalize the specific design elements of the plan. These focus on the key intersections of 13th/May, and 13th/Belmont/12th, as well as planning out the East/West Streets and expanding bike access on 12th to Pacific Avenue.
On April 24th, URAB reviewed several findings and recommendations presented by MIG Consulting and the streetscape project team. The URAB accepted the following recommendations and directed the project team to pursue the following: a roundabout at the intersection of 13th/May, and a traffic light at the intersection of 12th/Belmont/13th. Considering A, B, C and Taylor Streets, URAB advised the project team to pursue alternating one-way streets and option 2 for Belmont Street, which closes it to traffic between 12th and 13th. Additionally, URAB advised the team to prioritize a 10-foot bicycle lane on 12th Street and continuing the bicycle lane on 12th through to Pacific Avenue. Please see the accompanying renderings of the selected refinements.
The designs were reviewed for traffic and truck access, emergency responder access, pedestrian and bike safety, place-making opportunities, project cost, effect on local businesses and parking. Next steps include finalizing the streetscape design and creating an implementation plan with cost estimates, phasing strategy, and project timelines. Read the full report and presentation to URAB in the April 24 meeting packet at https://bit.ly/3LjvLkt or watch the entire meeting and discussion on our website or YouTube channel.
