Traffic lights disabled following vehicle crash on Island Avenue at Riddle Road.
By Garrett Christensen on Sunday, September 1st, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE — (Release from the La Grande Police Department) On Sunday afternoon, September 1, 2024, at approximately 3:06 PM, officers from the La Grande Police Department responded to a vehicle crash on Island Avenue at Riddle Road. Preliminary investigation indicates a 2011 Ford F150 pick-up truck was traveling west on Island Avenue when it approached the intersection. At the same time, a 2021 Chrysler mini-van was traveling east on Island Avenue in the left turn lane, preparing to turn north onto Riddle Road.
It is currently unclear which vehicle had the right-of-way or which traffic light was providing clearance to proceed. Statements gathered at the scene by officers suggest that as the mini-van turned in front of the F150, the driver of the F150 veered to the right to avoid a collision. This maneuver caused the F150 to leave the roadway, impacting the control box for the intersection traffic lights and coming to rest on the railroad tracks. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Personnel from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) responded to the scene but were unable to repair the traffic lights immediately. Temporary signage has been installed, but ODOT has indicated that it may take several days to complete the necessary repairs to restore the intersection lights to full functionality.
The La Grande Police Department urges all drivers to exercise extra caution while traveling through this area and to be mindful of the temporary traffic controls in place.
The La Grande Police Department was assisted on scene by the Oregon State Police.
If you witnessed this crash and have information that could be helpful, please contact Sergeant Norton at the La Grande Police Department at 541-963-1017.
