Transportation System Plan 2018-2038

• Improve the general pedestrian environm ent: o Incorporate planter strips or other separa tion from vehicle traffic into pedestrian improvem ent projects o Address the need for pedestrian connectiv ity and accessibility through the land use/land developm ent process including developm ent of pedestrian-friendly mixed-use developm ent and pedestrian-friendly building/site orientation and design o Develop accessway s between buildings to shorten walking distances o Provide street lighting o Conduct routine m aintenance of pedestrian sy stem • Encourage schools, safety organizations and law enforcem ent agencies to provide inform ation/instruction regarding pedestrian safety . • Implem ent operational improvem ents such as crossw alks where active pedestrian protection can be provided (such as a signal or flashing beacon) , curb extension to reduce street crossing distances for pedestrians, adequate signal tim ing fo r safe pedestrian street crossing, pedestrian detection such signal pushbuttons or other devices as appropriate • As appropriate, use an established city trans portation com mittee, such as the proposed Bicy cle Advisory Com mittee to help identify and prioriti ze pedestrian sy stem improvem ent projects, to advocate and advise of pedestrian issues, and to encourage pedestrian education Rail Plan Freight Rail Freight Rail service in the Medford area is provided by the Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad (CORP). The City of Medford has no direct responsibility for the developm ent, operations, or m aintenance of the CORP or for the provision of freight rail service in th e Rogue Valley . However, there are specific actions that the city can take to ensure safety around existi ng rail trackage and general land use com patibility with the freight rail corridor. The City can offer suppor t and encourage the CORP and ODOT in securing state and/or federal funding to im prove existing rail trackag e and service. The City can also offer support if and when m arket forces should dictate the need for developing rail reload or interm odal facilities in the Medford area. Specific actions for the City to take include the following: • Consistent with Oregon Rail Plan recom mendations, establish city policy that: o Seeks to avoid or m inimize the num ber of future railroad at-grade crossings when new streets are planned for growing portions of the com munity ; o Avoids creating intersections of m ajor streets and railroads where possible; o Locates new parallel streets at least 500 feet from railroads to allow for industrial developm ent between the tracks and the highway ; o Plan com munity developm ent (particularly residential uses) with sensitivity to rail noise and other potential conflicts. • Consider adding additional railroad crossing protec tion at existing Clark, Joseph and Fir Street crossings. • Improve at-grade railroad crossing on South Stage Road. • Provide for on-going m aintenance and repair of streets at existing at-grade crossings. Medford Transportation System Plan 1-24 Introduction and Executive Summary