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http://www.omniture.com --> Email Story to a Friend June 8, 2006 Customers at the Golden Scone coffee shop have a great view of major construction on Highway 99, which will wrap up soon after more than a year of traffic headaches in downtown Talent. (Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell) Highway work turns corner By Meg Landers Mail Tribune TALENT — The paving of the highway that bisects town is scheduled to be completed in early August, and for John Risser, owner of the Golden Scone, it's not a moment too soon. "We've lost at least a third of our business from this time last year," said Risser, who has owned the small bakery, formerly Caffe Cafe, on Highway 99 for four years. He said regular customers have told him they avoid the area altogether because of the traffic delays. After more than a year of narrowed lanes, delays and road rage, the $8.6 million Oregon Department of Transportation project will turn its last corner as paving begins in two weeks. The project, along Highway 99 in Talent between Rapp Road and Colver/Suncrest roads, will turn the one-traffic-light town into a three-traffic-light town and will modify three dangerous intersections. New traffic signals will go in where Rapp, Valley View and Colver roads come into the highway. Also, many left turns will be eliminated, trees will be planted in center medians, and sidewalks, gutters and bike lanes will be installed. "It's going to feel more like an urban area rather than a rural road with ditches on both sides," said Tim Fletcher, project coordinator for ODOT. The project includes realigning the intersection of Suncrest Road, Highway 99, Talent Avenue and Colver Road. The new intersection pulls the Colver/Suncrest crossing a little north to eliminate a weird approach angle. Also, the Talent Avenue access onto Colver Road will be moved west, and Gibson Avenue will no longer have direct access onto Colver Road but will come into Talent Avenue. A sidewalk will run along the west side of the highway with trees and ground cover, as well as some intermittent sidewalks on the east side, said Fletcher. The speed limit in Talent for drivers heading north on 99 will be 45 mph up to the Wagner Creek bridge, 40 mph to Suncrest Road, then 55 mph north of Suncrest. Construction and lane closures have meant local businesses have taken a hit. "I get a lot of customer complaints about not being able to get in and out of the parking," said Ron Todd, owner of Talent Ace Hardware on the corner of Valley View Road and Highway 99. Todd, who sells hardware and liquor, said he's seen a 20 to 25 percent decrease in sales this year, which he attributes to the backed up traffic and access restrictions. And he's not excited about the final product. "I've been here for 30 years," he said. "I kind of liked it the way it was." Even with all the frustrations and lost business, Golden Scone owner Risser said it will will improve the area and "I'm all for the project." Talent City Manager Betty Wheeler said she understands the business owners' frustration and thinks ultimately, not only will the neighborhood look more attractive, but the sidewalks and landscaping will draw more pedestrians to the area. "I'm hoping once the project is complete they'll see a doubling of their revenues," she said. ODOT's Fletcher agreed, adding that the reconfigured intersections improve safety for drivers. "Overall, if you look at the project, it's a significant improvement for everyone," he said. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations --> online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Entertainment Guide --> Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Pharmacy