Transportation System Plan 2018-2038

Study that identified street sy stem needs and deficiencies throughout the Medford UGB, addresses airport landside access issues, and deficiencies. Along with issues related to airport on-site developm ent needs to m eet anticipated travel dem and for this mode and the off-site airport landside access needs as identified above, airports ty pically can have significant impacts on land uses in their vicinity . These im pacts include not only potential safety issues related to both aircraft operations and risks to surrounding land uses, but also potentially neighborhood quality of life issues related to airport noise. The econom ic and transportation needs associated with airport use and developm ent m ust be balanced against these potential land use issues. To address airport area land use issues, the Oregon Adm inistrative Rules (Section 660-013-Airport Planning) requires local agencies with planning authority for one or m ore airports or for areas within safety or com patibility zones around airports to adopt com prehensive plan and land use regulations for airports consistent with the requirem ents to th at division and ORS 836.600 through 836.630. These plans and regulations are intended to encourage the long-term viability and com patibility of airports with their surrounding com munities. Medford currently has provi sions in its Municipal Code to address airport compatibility issues including Airport Approach (A-A) and Airport Radar (A-R) Zoning Districts. However, review of these code provisi ons is appropriate to ensure that they meet all of the requirem ents of OAR 660-013. Air Transportation Strategies Improvem ents at or in the vicinity of the Rogue Valley International/Medford Airport include those related to on-site enhancem ent, off-site improvem ents, and land use com patibility . • On-site - The City of Medford should work with the Jackson County Airport Authority (the owner/operator of the airport) to im plem ent the recom mendations of the Rogue Valley International-M edford Airport M aster Plan . • Off-site - Im provem ents in the vicinity of the airport to enhance off-site transportation system access include the following: o Construct the North Medford Interchange improvem ents included in the Highway 62 Unit 1 strategy . o Improve existing and likely future traffic operations at the intersection of Highway 62 with Poplar Drive by adding additional vehicl e turning lanes. Further consideration of potential of grade-separation of this inter section should be made as part of the on-going study for Highway 62 Unit 2 im provem ents. o Improve the intersections of Highway 62 with Delta Waters Road and West Vilas Road. o Address long-term improvem ent needs at the existing at-grade intersection of Highway s 99, 62 and 238 which could include future grade-separation. o Extend and provide bicy cle and pedestrian facilities along Biddle Road to the airport terminal access roads. o Support and encourage provision of public transportation services to the airport to m eet the travel needs of passengers, em ployees and other airport visitors. o Work with Jackson County to develop an appropriate long-term strategy for airport terminal area access (identified in the Airport Master Plan as a future grade separation). • Land Use - To address land use com patibility issues in the vicinity , the City of Medford should work cooperatively with the Jackson County Airpor t Authority to evaluate the City ’s current Com prehensive Plan and Code to ensure the following: Medford Transportation System Plan 1-19 Introduction and Executive Summary