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CITY OF ASHLAND Neighbors oppose new bridge Nevada Street connector would cross Bear Creek Comment By Julie Akins For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted May. 1, 2016 at 2:00 AM By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted May. 1, 2016 at 2:00 AM » Social News There were not enough seats to sit in or even walls to lean as the Transportation Commission saw proposals to build a bridge over Bear Creek to join east and west Nevada Street on Thursday night in the Ashland Council Chambers. The overwhelming response from neighbors of the proposed project was either to urge not doing it at all or to do it partially with a foot and bike bridge — with no provision for cars, trucks or buses. Most spoke out against a full bridge which would increase trips in cars from some 1,800 to between 3,800 and 4,000 through their residential area, according to Public Works Director Mike Faught. The crowd often erupted in applause as residents finished comments opposing the bridge. Tom Reglar expressed concerns about the environment and Bear Creek. “I would hate to see the bridge built," he said, "because of the pollution to the creek. Salmon ladders brought back salmon to the creek making it a sacred space.” Joanne Johns told commissioners with the narrow streets more cars would make it dangerous. “I can’t imagine that," she said. "That’s a very narrow street. It would have to be widened. “ Valerie and Greg Williams echoed the sentiment, saying the entire city’s transportation plan needs to be considered as a whole. “We have roads that need to be repaired. I’d recommend the transportation commission look at other projects.” They referenced repairing roads which the city says are coming close to the 15-year mark and will need resurfacing, as well as other measures. “We should be fixing what’s wrong rather than building a $6 million new bridge.” Other residents spoke out about the winding, narrow streets of east and west Nevada, lack of sidewalks and children playing in the neighborhood which is largely residential. “I oppose this bridge project for vehicles. I think increasing traffic is increasing the possibility of dangerous accidents,” said resident Tom Mar, who also objected to the price tag, which was roughly $6 million for all three options shown. All included biking and foot traffic, along with motorized vehicles. “The cost of this project is 300 dollars for every man, woman and child in Ashland," Mar said. "It’s cost prohibitive.” Resident Mark Knox, a local developer who lives in the area, favors the project, saying there'd be a smaller carbon footprint from less driving. He said he’d have roughly half a mile less to get to work if the bridge is put in. “I am 100 percent in favor of the bridge," he said. "It’s about moving people and reducing congestion and improving livability.” A new bridge is expected to create less congestion through downtown as people use it to cut across town, avoiding main streets. Others who agreed with Knox spoke out in favor of the bridge for a future, possible bus route. However, commissioners told the audience Rogue Valley Transit District has not promised a new bus route through town and has not listed it as a high priority. RVTD is currently asking voters to support the routes they now have and once again restore weekend bus routes between Ashland and Medford which were cut due to lack of funding. The city of Ashland plans would provide access for the Bear Creek Greenway to continue past the dog park and follow the creek to North Mountain Park. The plan would also allow an alternate route for emergency vehicles and evacuation. The city already has roughly half the money needed, with $1 million from system development charges and $1.5 million from a Surface Transportation Fund federal grant and is hoping to lobby during the 2017 state legislative session for the remaining $3 million. In making the presentation, Faught said the bridge would connect Oak Street and North Mountain Avenue for safe, two-lane access to Helman Elementary School and Eagle Mill Road. Commissioners thanked the audience for their comments and Commission Chair Joe Graf directed city staff to come back with a proposal for a foot and bike bridge only and a bridge that could accommodate emergency vehicles as well as foot and bike but would not be used for traffic in general as suggested by numerous citizens. Commissioner Sue Newberry told the crowd she appreciated the information. “I made a list of 12 issues. Because you spoke, we’ll be looking into those.” It’s unclear if the Nevada Street bridge project will be discussed at the next Transportation Commission meeting. Public Works staffer Scott Fleury said it will depend on how quickly they can compile the requested information. The bridge would have to begin construction by 2018 to retain the funding it has already received. Email Ashland freelance writer Julie Akins at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/ @julieakins. By Julie Akins For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted May. 1, 2016 at 2:00 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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