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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend June 24, 2005 Foot bridge would span I-5 at Expo Expected to ease traffic heading to the new Lithia Motors Amphitheater, the pedestrian bridge would cost $4 million By PARIS ACHEN Mail Tribune Plans are under way for a pedestrian bridge across Interstate 5 from Central Point to the Jackson County Fairgrounds. State Rep. Dennis Richardson, R-Central Point, requested the bridge to make it safer for pedestrians to reach the fairgrounds on Peninger Road and reduce traffic bottlenecks at the intersection of Peninger and Pine Street during concerts. The new Lithia Motors Amphitheater at the fairgrounds is expected to bring more traffic when it holds its debut concert July 1. "It seemed like something that could improve safety, air quality and traffic," Richardson said. No funding has been earmarked for the bridge, and public hearings would be held before the project moves forward, said Gary Leaming, spokesman for the Oregon Department of Transportation. Advertisement The estimated cost for the project is $4 million. The transportation department is now conducting a study to determine the best location for the bridge and how it would affect nearby homes and the environment, Leaming said. It would likely cross from Hazel and 10th streets in Central Point to the new amphitheater at the fairgrounds, Richardson said. The idea would be to offer parking for free or for a fee at nearby property, including Crater High and Jewett Elementary, Richardson said. Then, people could walk from Central Point over the bridge to the fairgrounds, he said. The Jackson and Josephine counties Area Commission on Transportation could consider transferring funds from another transportation project to the bridge as soon as July 12, at the commission’s next meeting, Leaming said. If the commission rejects that idea, the bridge would compete with other transportation projects next year for Jackson and Josephine counties’ share of state mobility funds. Transportation department officials said they hope to work with the county and the city of Central Point on the project. All three county commissioners and mayors from Central Point, Gold Hill, Medford and Shady Cove have written letters in support of the bridge. "I’m very supportive of a bridge across I-5," said County Commissioner Dave Gilmour. "We had one death from a child who crossed the freeway near there. There is a fairly high fence at the fairgrounds, but a fence is not always a deterrent to children who want to wander." Nine-year-old Chris Leventin was struck by a car and killed in July 2001 when he attempted to cross the freeway to a friend’s house in Central Point. Chris was the foster child of then- Central Point Mayor Bill Walton. Reach reporter Paris Achen at 776-4496 or e-mail [email protected] . 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 Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations Casinos Canada dvd-r Generic Viagra Myspace Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Student Loans Sudoku Online Advertisement s Advertisement