ODOT schedules curb ramp projects in Irrigon and Heppner
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA & MORROW COUNTIES – While layoffs have halted some projects with the Oregon Department of Transportation, they are not affecting the ADA curb ramp projects that are underway.
ODOT has begun work to bring curb ramps to current standards in Irrigon at the US 730 and Southeast First Street intersection. The workers will then jump to the US 730 at Southeast 14th Street intersection.
The project in Hermiston is so big that it was split into two phases. ODOT expects to begin work in Hermiston in August and complete Phase 2B in the spring of 2026. The department said that allowed them to start bidding and construction on Phase 1 while moving ramps that were not ready for construction to the second phase.
Meanwhile, the workers are finishing Phase 2A in Boardman, Echo, Hermiston, and Umatilla. They should be done with most of the work sometime next week, but some minor clean-up tasks may last through July.
The crews will be working from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Access to businesses remains open. Sidewalk closures with temporary pedestrian detours as well as lane and shoulder closures can be expected.
Regarding funding, ODOT issued the following statement:
While the funding crisis is having a profound effect on ODOT’s maintenance and operations, most construction projects will continue as planned. These projects are typically funded through separate capital programs, often with state or federal funds that are legally restricted to project development and cannot be redirected for maintenance or day-to-day operations. Delays may still occur due to a reduced workforce. Fewer available staff for traffic control, inspections and project oversight could slow down timelines or introduce challenges in project delivery.
ODOT file photo of a curb project
