New Safety Project adds new “J” turn and center dividing barriers along Highway 97
Spencer Sacks
(Update: Added full story with quotes from Mayor Ed Fitch and Redmond resident James Miller)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ News) — A lot of people drive pretty quickly between Bend and Redmond,
However, This stretch of highway is also known for head on collisions as drivers swerve from one direction to the other.
According to ODOT, at least three fatal head on collisions have occurred just on this stretch alone in the last few years.
ODOT and the City of Redmond have decided to take action. Over the last several years, ODOT has put in miles of permanent barriers.
KTVZ News spoke with Ed Fitch, the Mayor of Redmond about how this divider will save lives.
Mayor Fitch told KTVZ News, “Yeah, it’s, critical because with the traffic amounts we’re getting right now and speed people are traveling; we’ve had too many head on collisions to many fatalities. The barriers are really absolutely necessary.”
Many residents have felt the effects of the highway not having the divider.
KTVZ News spoke with James Miller, a resident of Redmond, who says people have lost their lives.
“I would agree. I’ve known a couple of personal friends who’ve had accidents. The one gentleman killed the family because he crossed the crossed the center lane and killed the family. So I’m all for that.”
At the same time, ODOT has also put in what is commonly referred to as J Turns.
A ‘J’ turn is a safety tool road designers can use to reduce collisions.
How it works is a third lane forms and you would merge into the left most lane.
You would take a left, loop around and exit the semi circle to perform the turn around.
Officials believe this alone will save countless lives and prevent accidents.
Mayor Fitch also told KTVZ News that the ‘J’ turns will become a way of life for everyone.