By Kristine Thomas
Silverton City Councilors Laurie Carter and Jason Freilinger both have businesses in the downtown core.
However, Carter and Freilinger have come opposite conclusions about the advisability of turning the downtown streets from one-way to two-way streets.
From his shop at the corner of Main and First streets, Freilinger said he sees at least three cars a week trying to turn the wrong way. He said many people find the one-way traffic pattern “really annoying.”
Carter, whose shop is near the corner of Oak and Water streets, said not one person has told her they support the change to two-way traffic. She said she has not noticed drivers trying to head the wrong way, crediting that to good street markings which could be replicated at other intersections.
While they disagree about one-way versus two-way streets, they agree it’s time to conduct a transportation master plan study. Now that study will help answer the question on whether it’s financially feasible or desirable to convert to two-way streets.
In a 4-3 vote, the Silverton City Council directed city staff to include funding in budget for fiscal 2014-15 for a new master transportation study which will incorporate reviewing the feasibility and advisability of turning one-way streets into two-way streets. The first vote, on a motion by Carter to fund the study without the two-way street component, failed 3-4.
Carter then joined Councilors Freilinger and Randal Thomas and Mayor Stu Rasmussen in voting in favor of funding the studies. Councilors Bill Cummins, Ken Hector and Scott Walker cast the dissenting votes.
The special city council meeting was held on March 17 to provide the city staff with direction on transportation and budget planning.
City Manager Bob Willoughby said the special meeting was needed to determine whether to fund a transportation master plan study, information needed now to plan the city’s fiscal 2014-15.
Willoughby said the city’s current transportation master plan is no longer valid because projected population growth isn’t on track. Willoughby said an updated plan is needed so city funds are allocated to correctly prioritized items.
“By updating the plan, we are seeing what we really need to do,” Willoughby said. “Do we need to add traffic signals or not? It can cost $150,000 to $250,000 for a traffic signal.”
He estimated a study of the master plan done by an engineering firm would cost $130,000. A study on converting two-way streets into one-way streets is estimated to cost $60,000 to $80,000. To do both studies at the same time, Willoughby estimates, would cost $170,000; a $20,000 to $40,000 savings.
“By agreeing to fund the study on two-way streets, it will no longer be about personal opinions, instead it will be about accurate information,” Willoughby said, adding the Oregon Department of Transportation doesn’t have any objection to changing the streets. Willoughby said the study will show what really would be required.
Councilor Thomas said he favored conducting the two-way street study to get answers to long-asked questions. Those questions have primarily centered on feasibility, costs and benefits.
Councilor Ken Hector, who supported doing the traffic study without the two-way street component, noted both the police and fire departments are on the record against the two-plan proposal. “It’s not the desirable thing to do from a public safety standpoint.”
Willoughby said the transportation study won’t go to bid until the 2014-15 fiscal year, which begins July 1.
“We want a master transportation plan that will accurately fund what will happen in the next 20 years,” Willoughby said.
By funding the two-way street study, Willoughby said there will finally be answer to the question.
“We have never had an analysis of what it would cost to make a state and county highway into two-way streets,” Willoughby said. “Now we will know the cost.”
Paula Mabry contributed to this story.
