Jacksonville’s creaky boardwalks of yesteryear are today’s concrete sidewalks. But for people with disabilities, Jacksonville’s streets remain difficult to navigate, harkening back to when the streets were dirt during summer and a muddy mess during winter.
That will soon change. This spring through June, you’ll see workers on six corners of 5th Street (Oregon 238) from E Street north to Shafer Lane. They’ll be upgrading curb ramps to bring them into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
These improvements in Jacksonville are a few of the more than 3,000 curb ramp upgrades scheduled throughout Southern Oregon—about 26,000 statewide. Timing is critical: We’ve worked with Jacksonville officials on the best time to do the work and still meet the community’s needs, especially during high tourist season.
For example, our spring schedule for most of 5th Street (Oregon 238) from E Street to Shafer Lane is ambitious: complete work before July. We’ll be back to work several corners in that area after September 7.
Each improved ramp must meet rigid ADA standards for the correct angle of slope and level of approach. For the sight-impaired, raised bumps indicate where the crossing ends and the street begins. In Jacksonville, these tactile pads will be red to blend in with the community’s historic character.
Rebuilding these ramps is a priority for the Oregon Department of Transportation to meet the agency’s 2017 settlement agreement with the Association of Oregon Centers for Independent Living. During construction, we will ensure that pedestrians, including those with disabilities, will have temporary access through the intersections.
When finished, all Jacksonville residents and visitors will have a safer, more equitable transportation system. And unlike the boardwalk days, the curb ramps will be there for generations to come.