Consultants propose near‑term traffic-calming and pilot fixes for Cascade Avenue

Kittleson & Associates presented findings from a three‑day road safety audit of Cascade Avenue (Pine Street to Jefferson Avenue), saying the goal was to identify near‑term and longer‑term measures that reduce pedestrian risk and calm vehicle speeds. Paul Vertagna told the council the city has already budgeted $50,000 from the street fund for near‑term improvements.

Cameron of Kittleson summarized primary observations: pedestrian crossing risk at intersections and mid‑block, vehicles accelerating out of the roundabout, visibility problems associated with parked cars and worn crosswalk markings, and variable lighting through a wooded gateway. Near‑term recommendations included doubling existing 20 mph signs at approach points, installing in‑lane speed‑reduction pavement markings and speed‑feedback signs, restriping worn crosswalks, and adding targeted pedestrian‑warning signs at downtown entry points. Cameron called the package “a toolbox of opportunities” and emphasized that not every measure needs to be installed at once.

Councilors and staff drilled into feasibility and maintenance. Matt Kittleson noted that effectiveness is supported by data for many treatments but that materials and installation methods (thermoplastic vs. paint) should be explored with ODOT. Dan Serpico, ODOT Region 4, cautioned that maintenance funding is limited and some assets (e.g., solar‑assisted speed feedback units) have ongoing upkeep costs. Several council members urged pilot projects — for example, alternating‑side parking removal or parklets to reduce mid‑block crossings outside popular businesses — and requested that Kittleson return with cost estimates and video‑analysis data showing near‑miss patterns.

The presentation also highlighted freight coordination as a gating factor for some long‑term options such as raised intersections and roundabouts; staff noted the US‑20 alternate freight route would change the corridor context and make some interventions more viable. Council direction: proceed with near‑term, lower‑cost measures this summer/fall and refine designs with ODOT and the freight community before pursuing larger, freight‑impacting changes.