$100 million for 62 bypass? County doubts plan's logic

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Appeals by legislators and transportation officials failed to sway Jackson County commissioners today as they condemned a $100 million proposal for a Highway 62 bypass as a possible waste of money.

"I don't think it's the best project for the entire community of Jackson County," Commissioner Jack Walker said.

After years of research, the Oregon Department of Transportation is proposing building the bypass to alleviate congestion on busy Highway 62. The new road would begin just east of Poplar Avenue and create either a two-lane or four-lane highway running roughly along the old Medco Haul Road for 3.5 miles to just south of White City. Another option is to end the bypass at Vilas Road.

Projections indicate that 27 percent of drivers on the highway would use the new route.

"It's really a lot of money to handle about a third of the traffic," said county Commissioner Dave Gilmour. "If all that comes out of this is a permanent bypass that goes from Vilas Road to Ace Hardware, not a lot is gained."

The project would primarily be funded through Oregon House Bill 2001, which provided more than $900 million in transportation projects over 10 years throughout the state.

The money will be raised through bonds and by increasing motor vehicle fees and the gas tax by 6 cents per gallon.

Legislators who helped Jackson County get the money in Salem were surprised commissioners didn't endorse the bypass plan that was part of a multi-year planning effort. The bypass has also been identified as a project of statewide importance, offering tourists a gateway to Crater Lake.

"It's not spending money for the sake of spending money," said Rep. Peter Buckley, D-Ashland.

Rep. Dennis Richardson, R-Central Point, said it's important to have the county endorse a project that has been the subject of much discussion for at least 12 years.

Commissioners Gilmour, Walker and C.W. Smith wanted more information and answers from ODOT before they could endorse the project.

They needed more information as to how the bypass would affect about 30 businesses, which would either have to close or would have limited access.

Commissioners worry that other local transportation projects could get shortchanged if the state throws more money into extending the bypass in the future. The total cost to build the bypass to White City has been estimated at up to $450 million.

When the bypass is built, ODOT wants to turn over jurisdiction of Highway 62 to the city and county. Gilmour said that if the county assumes responsibility for the roadway it will also have to pay for the maintenance, which could be considerable.

Commissioners wanted more assurance the bypass highway would be four lanes, not two lanes.

Rep. Sal Esquivel, R-Medford, said he thinks it would be better to concentrate on building a four-lane roadway to Vilas, which has been urged for years.

"Do it right in the first place," he said. "We fought very hard to allocate the money for this project."

— Damian Mann

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