Contractors will begin work this week on the Second Street Gateway Project at the intersection of S.E. Second Street and Highway 395 in Hermiston.
The project will realign the intersection to improve safety and beautify the entrance to downtown Hermiston with new signage and landscaping near the Hermiston Community Center.
The city said construction is expected to last no longer than 90 days, during which time access from Highway 395 will be closed to vehicle traffic. The Hermiston Community Center will be accessible from S.E. Third Street during construction.
Businesses on S.E. Second Street will remain accessible.
The $314,747 project will be funded by the Downtown Urban Renewal District and a $50,000 grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation. Urban renewal funds are collected from property taxes in the downtown district and dedicated to improvements within the district. No general fund dollars will be used on this project, according to the city. Odyssey Contracting LLC will complete the work.
The realignment of the intersection will create a one-way entrance to S.E. Second Street from Highway 395 for both northbound and southbound traffic. The current intersection has poor visibility for vehicles turning onto Highway 395 and allows drivers to enter S.E. Second Street at a high rate of speed.
The project also includes new curb, gutter, ADA ramps and sidewalks. The first version of the design was showcased during a public meeting March 29, 2023 at the Hermiston Community Center.
Visit the city’s website for maps of the current and redesigned intersection.
