Medford Council Changes Course on Main Street Plan
The updated downtown configuration keeps two travel lanes, adds bike access and is expected to create about 40 parking spaces.
MEDFORD, Ore. – The Medford City Council has ratified a revised plan for Main Street, moving forward with a new downtown configuration after previously voting to return the street to three lanes.
At its May 20 meeting, the council voted 5-2 to ratify its April 15 decision to rescind an earlier January vote. That January vote would have reverted Main Street to a three-lane layout.
Instead, the city will move ahead with a revised design known as “Option 2A.”
The updated configuration includes two travel lanes, angled on-street parking along the left curb, parallel parking along the right curb and a one-way bike lane.
According to the city, the project is estimated to cost approximately $1.2 million and would require repayment of previously awarded Oregon Department of Transportation grant funding.
Medford Public Works estimates the project can be completed by fall 2026.
City officials say the revised configuration is expected to add approximately 40 parking spaces downtown, a key part of the ongoing discussion over traffic flow, parking access and mobility along Main Street.
The vote marks the latest shift in Medford’s continuing Main Street debate, which has centered on how to balance vehicle traffic, parking, bicycle access and downtown business needs.
Watch the council meeting here.
Cover image: The Medford City Council voted 5-2 on May 20 to ratify a revised Main Street reconfiguration, moving forward with Option 2A after previously considering a return to three lanes. Image from City of Medford meeting video.
Recent News
