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Neighbors fear interchange's traffic Residents bring concerns to public hearing on relocation options. Dec. 3 is the deadline for comments on the proposal By JILL BRISKEY Marcia DeMont worries that the $50 million proposed interchange at south Medford poses a danger to kids who play at Bear Creek Park. Brian Mostue wanted to know what would happen to Bear Creek and the Greenway if the interchange is relocated to either Highland Drive or Ellendale Drive. Agnes Chirgwin provided testimony on behalf of the League of Women Voters of the Rogue Valley and showed the group's support for mass transit-oriented development. With a plethora of concerns, questions and a healthy dose of curiosity, a steady flow of residents visited the Scottish Rite Center on Tuesday evening. The Oregon Department of Transportation held a public hearing and open house focusing on the existing interchange and relocation alternatives. The event was part of a 45-day public comment period that began in September after a draft environmental impact statement was released. The study examined the effects and cost of relocating the interchange to either Highland or Ellendale. It also looked at a "no-build" alternative involving no significant changes to the Barnett Road structure. The open house marked the last opportunity for residents to discuss their concerns before a decision is made about the placement of the interchange. More than a dozen planners and people who worked on the project were on hand to answer questions. Residents were able to watch an informational video, review documents and look at various maps. Two court reporters were on hand to take testimony. Residents streamed in and out during the three-hour event, moving from exhibit to exhibit. "This kind of format seems to work well," said Gary Leaming, a project informational specialist with ODOT. "They can get their questions answered and move on to the next stage." Donald Ross lives near Rogue Valley Medical Center. Ross came to the open house because he was concerned about existing congestion on Barnett Road. "I favor the Highland alternative," Ross said. "I think that's a no-brainer." Dick and Joan Simonson, who have lived on Highland Drive for more than 30 years, came with concerns of their own. They don't support the relocation alternatives. "It will be worse than it is now," Joan Simonson said of traffic moving through neighborhoods. "I think either option here is crazy," Dick Simonson said. "It will make it worse. In my view, they ought to (build the new interchange) at South Stage Road." Greg Holthoft, ODOT environmental project manager, said all testimony on the project will be reviewed. Although Tuesday marked the last chance for people to speak out, Holthoft said residents can still write letters expressing their concerns or opinions. Letters must be sent to 1158 Chemeketa St. N.E., Salem, OR 97301, by Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. Following the review process, a decision will be made. A study of that choice will begin, and is expected back by June. Construction won't begin until 2005. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.