ODOT plans open house on future of John Day stoplight on Nov. 14

Published 7:00 am Friday, November 8, 2024

JOHN DAY — State transportation managers are inviting the public to weigh in on the future of Grant County’s only traffic signal.

The Oregon Department of Transportation will host an open house from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at the John Day Senior Center, 142 NE Dayton St., to provide information and gather suggestions about the future of the stoplight in downtown John Day.

The signal at the intersection of Main Street and Canyon Boulevard — also known as Highways 26 and 395 — has been dark since July 30, when a contractor accidentally cut an electrical cable during a project to install new curb ramps and sidewalks.

Since then, traffic at the intersection has been controlled by temporary stop signs at all four corners — and some area residents seem to prefer it that way.

Now the Oregon Department of Transportation is trying to decide whether to turn the traffic signal back on or install permanent stop signs. 

In a news release, ODOT said it is conducting traffic studies and wants to hear from motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians about how they use the intersection and whether they like it better as a signaled crossing or a four-way stop.

Anyone who can’t make the open house can communicate their views to Vicki Moles, a community affairs specialist with ODOT, by phone at 541-620-4527 or by email at vicki.l.moles@odot.oregon.gov.