Setting the initial stage for plan implementation, the following “project description sheets” highlight specific actions the city should undertake first to improve walking and bicycling in the city. The project description sheets provide detailed information for three Tier 1 projects, including project descriptions, recommended improvements, potential issues, lead agencies and estimated costs. This information can be used as the city pursues grant or other funding opportunities and as guidance for project implementation.
(A) W McCully Avenue Sidewalk.
(1) Description.
(a) This project would develop a sidewalk on the north side of W McCully Avenue, between N Park Street and Main Street. In most locations, sufficient room exists to construct a sidewalk with minimal or no impacts to adjacent properties.
(b) This project responds to the overwhelming desire among city residents to develop a safe and convenient pedestrian connection between downtown and the Alpine House Assisted Living Facility. The W McCully Avenue sidewalk would directly connect Alpine House residents with the Joseph Post Office and other downtown businesses. The project would also connect users with several other existing and proposed bicycle/pedestrian facilities.
(2) Proposed improvements.
( a) Sidewalk on north side of W McCully Avenue between N Park Street and Main Street;
( b) Removal of encroaching vegetation on northwest corner of W McCully Avenue at Mill Street;
( c) Utilize existing sidewalk on bridge crossing Wrenn Dobbin Ditch; and
( d) Potential to add marked crosswalk on north side of W McCully Avenue at Mill Street intersection.
(3) Potential issues.
(a) Existing right-of-way encroachment (vegetation) on W McCully Avenue’s north side at Mill Street;
(b) Existing utility poles on W McCully Avenue’s north side (west of Mill Street) could complicate sidewalk construction; and
(c) Existing utility poles and mailboxes on W McCully Avenue’s north side between Mill and Main streets could complicate sidewalk construction.
(4) Lead agency(ies). Joseph.
(5) Planning-level cost opinion. $139,800.
(B) Eastside bicycle boulevard.
(1) Description.
(a) This project would develop a bicycle boulevard on the city’s eastside, roughly following College and Lake streets between Daggett Street and the future Marr Ranch State Scenic area. As shown on Map 3-5, improvements would include wayfinding signage, directional pavement markings, roadway pavement upgrades and intersection enhancements to improve bicycle/pedestrian crossings.
(b) The eastside bicycle boulevard would provide a continuous north-south bicycle route connecting several neighborhoods with downtown Joseph, Joseph Elementary School and the future Marr Ranch State Scenic Area. The improved corridor would also connect riders with other existing and proposed bicycle/pedestrian facilities and serve as an alternative to higher-volume roads such as Main Street.
(2) Proposed improvements.
(a) Additional STOP or YIELD signs on E Alder Street and on E Pine Street to clarify intersection traffic controls;
(b) High-visibility crosswalks and warning signage on E Eighth Street at S College Street;
(c) High-visibility crosswalks and warning signage on E Wallowa Avenue at N Lake Street;
(d) Directional pavement markings;
(e) Wayfinding signage; and
(f) Pavement upgrades on approximately nine and one-half blocks to improve riding conditions for bicyclists.
(3) Potential issues.
(a) Pavement upgrades could substantially increase project implementation cost; and
(b) Intersection improvements at College and Eighth and at Lake and Wallowa subject to ODOT approval.
(4) Lead agency(ies). Joseph, ODOT.
(5) Planning-level cost opinion. $19,200 (project cost does not include roadway resurfacing, nor does it include intersection improvements at College and Eighth, which are identified as a separate project).
(C) Wallowa river path feasibility study.
(1) Description.
(a) This project would develop a feasibility study identifying potential path development opportunities along the Wallowa River between Joseph City Park and Wallowa Lake. The study would build on recent trail development research prepared by the Wallowa Land Trust, including a map depicting potential trail corridors in this area. The Land Trust has also discussed the potential trail with nearby property owners.
(b) Depending on community preferences and physical or other constraints, a paved or soft surface path could follow either side of the river. The path would establish a premier walking and bicycling facility for city residents and visitors, tying together numerous destinations including Joseph City Park, the future Marr Ranch State Scenic Area, Nez Perce National Historic Park, Wallowa County Park and Wallowa Lake. The trail would also connect with several existing and proposed bikeways and walkways.
(2) Proposed improvements. Path feasibility study including an existing conditions review and assessment, opportunities-and-constraints analysis (e.g., property ownership, environmental issues and the like), development of potential path alignment alternatives, selection of a preferred alignment, cost estimates and potential funding sources.
(3) Potential issues.
(a) Major topography on both sides of the river;
(b) Privately-owned property along most segments of the river under focus; and
(c) Potential need for bridges crossing the river (depending on the path’s alignment), which could substantially increase path development costs.
(4) Lead agency(ies). Joseph, Wallowa County.
(5) Planning-level cost opinion. $15,000.
(Ord. passed 6- -2009)