Council asks staff to seek traffic‑engineering analysis for Red Rock Road access

The Sutherlin City Council directed staff to obtain a traffic‑engineering analysis to determine whether Red Rock Road can be opened safely and what work would be required, after extended discussion about proximity to existing streets, neighborhood impacts and funding.

City staff told the council that the narrow distance between existing driveways and adjacent streets — notably Heavenly Court — raises potential safety and code issues. “We actually feel that we need to probably look into this a little bit more, consult with an actual traffic engineer for them to identify any safety concerns,” a staff presenter said.

Councilors raised multiple concerns: the tight proximity of two openings in a 30‑foot area, dust impacts to adjacent houses if the road remains gravel, possible soil contamination from historic railroad ties (a councilor referenced prior annual notices tied to arsenic/mercury concerns), and whether the project should displace other roads or parks projects already in budget queues.

Several councilors said the road has been discussed as part of parks planning, rodeo‑event parking and long‑term connectivity, and suggested the parks master‑plan process might be an avenue for grant funding. Council members agreed an independent traffic engineer could evaluate safety tradeoffs and recommend whether the road should be opened as a roadway, a parking area, or remain closed.

Council moved to pursue an engineering analysis. Staff estimated a typical scoped traffic analysis runs about $15,000; council asked staff to return with a proposed scope and cost estimate before committing funds. The council did not adopt a construction contract or change budgets at this meeting; the action was to ask staff to solicit analysis and report back.