Greenway compromise

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An angler makes a cast for spring chinook salmon below Gold Ray Dam on Tuesday. Officials hope to turn Gold Ray Road into part of the Rogue River Greenway, but keep it open to traffic at a cost of at least $3.5 million.Jamie Lusch

June 17, 2009

By Damian Mann

Mail Tribune

A compromise that helps pave the way for sharing a narrow section of Gold Ray Road with pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles could cost at least $3.5 million, according to the latest engineering estimates.

At 1.5 miles long, and for that price, it would be one of the most expensive portions of trail along the Rogue River and Bear Creek greenways, apart from construction of bridges.

This section is the most problematic to design as officials attempt to keep the roadway open to traffic as well as pedestrians and cyclists, while struggling to keep it wide enough, according to a preliminary analysis released recently by OBEC Consulting Engineers of Eugene.

Hemmed in by railroad tracks on one side and the Rogue River on the other, the roadway would average about 20 feet wide, becoming narrower at certain points.

Along the trail, there would be pullouts for cars, parking areas and a boat launch. To prevent the road from getting any narrower, retaining walls would have to be built.

The roadway from Gold Ray Dam to where it connects with Upper River Road near an unimproved boat launch is a popular local fishing area.

Anglers and other locals protested when it was initially suggested the roadway be closed to vehicles. To help resolve the difficulties, the Gold Ray Road Solutions Team was formed.

Despite the narrowness of the roadway, traffic will be allowed in both directions. When two vehicles meet, they can cross over into the bike lane to pass, according to the OBEC report.

"Despite some of the differences of opinion and tussles we've had in the Solutions Team process, people are very supportive of the idea," said Craig Harper, natural resources planning manager for the Rogue Valley Council of Governments.

In areas where the terrain flattens out, OBEC recommends creating a separate bike path from the roadway. The proposal includes creation of an equestrian trail.

OBEC's latest cost estimate is far less expensive than a previous estimate of almost $6 million prepared May 21, which had higher prices for everything from retaining walls to horse-trail clearing.

Almost $200,000 was taken out of the latest estimate by eliminating a 5-foot chain-link fence on the north side of the railroad tracks. Neither estimate included right of way and easement acquisition from the railroad.

Harper said the OBEC report will not be the final version of this project, which could still take several years before it's built. He anticipates that several funding sources could come together to pay for the project.

As proposed, the new trail would allow for better access to the river and provide better parking, said Harper. OBEC's report indicates there would be parking for 50 vehicles, with 10 spaces that could handle vehicles with trailers.

The Gold Ray Road area is part of the 30-mile-long Rogue River Greenway that would ultimately connect Central Point to Grants Pass. Once completed it would join with the Bear Creek Greenway from Central Point to Ashland.

Mike Kuntz, Jackson County engineer and solutions team member, said he found the OBEC report very thorough, but he doubted that it will be the final version before the project ultimately is built.

He said rights of way still have to be determined and other situations will arise that could change the plans, but ultimately the document will serve as a good concept for the project in the meantime.

"It reflects the direction the Solutions Team wants," said Kuntz.

Tom Collett, a Solutions Team member, said one of the most important things for him was achieved through this effort. Collett represents fishermen and others who didn't want the road closed to vehicles.

"What I was hoping would come out of this is the road would stay open, and there would be traffic in both directions," he said.

After sitting through many meetings and poring over lots of documentation, Collett said he is left with the impression that much of the decision-making goes on behind closed doors.

"The one thing that sticks in my mind that is a conflict with me is that the entire thing — the Greenway — is done without much public input at all," he said.

The Solutions Team, which is being funded by money from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, holds monthly meetings that are open to the public. The next meeting is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Rogue Valley Council of Governments, Jefferson Conference Room, 155 N. First St., Central Point.

Harper of RVCOG said the Solutions Team itself points to the interest in keeping the public informed. "We value public involvement," he said. "The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department contributed tens of thousand of dollars for the process."

Collett said he's happy the road will be open to traffic in both directions, but the potential cost of building the trail on Gold Ray is a little difficult to swallow.

"I'm happy with it the way it is," he said. "Let it be."

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or dmann@mailtribune.com.

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