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Diamond interchange concept likely requires bridge widening; PAC worried about Front Street closures
Summary
Kittleson outlined a modernized signalized diamond interchange that would require widening or replacing the Main Street overpass to add dedicated turn lanes; several PAC members warned that signalization scenarios could force closures or right‑in/right‑out restrictions on Front Street, harming local businesses.
Consultants described Concept 1 as a modernization of Boardman’s existing diamond geometry, including signalized ramp terminals and widening or reconstructing the Main Street overpass to add separate left‑turn lanes and extra through lanes.
"If we went with a scenario where we widened the off ramp to include a left and then kind of a shared through right...that equates to basically a four‑lane widening of the Main Street overpass," said Matt Hugart, explaining the geometry and lane counts. He cautioned that even with signalization a widened overpass may not fully meet ODOT’s capacity expectations without additional long‑term right‑of‑way and that some local Front Street movements might need to be closed or restricted to make the signalized geometry safe and functional.
PAC members and local business owners reacted strongly. David Jones said the plan "doesn't even serve the community" if it eliminates Front Street access. City staff noted the northwest Park Avenue segment will be the subject of a road vacation and that any interchange alternative must be balanced against existing downtown businesses' needs.
