Medford Council Changes Course on Main Street Plan
The Medford City Council voted 5-2 to ratify a revised Main Street plan after previously voting to return the downtown street to three lanes. The updated Option 2A configuration keeps two travel lanes, adds a one-way bike lane and is expected to create about 40 parking spaces.
Basin Transit, KCC Partner on CDL Training Effort
Basin Transit Service says it partnered with Klamath Community College to help a staff member earn a commercial driver license with a passenger endorsement. The agency says the training will allow the employee to operate a college vehicle used to support student and athletic transportation needs.
Foothill Road Project Nears Completion
Medford’s Foothill Road Improvement Project is nearing completion, with work expected to wrap up by mid-summer. The $62 million project is upgrading Foothill Road from Delta Waters Road to Hillcrest Road with four lanes, turn lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, street lighting and other corridor improvements.
Federal Funding Headed to Southern Oregon Airports
Several Southern Oregon airports, including Medford, Grants Pass, Ashland, and Klamath Falls, are set to receive federal funding as part of a more than $27 million statewide investment aimed at improving aviation infrastructure. Projects include runway and taxiway resurfacing, lighting upgrades, pavement rehabilitation, and safety enhancements designed to support emergency response, business travel, and regional connectivity across Southern Oregon and nearby coastal communities.
New Welcome Monument Installed at California-Oregon Border
A new welcome monument has been installed along U.S. 199 at the California-Oregon border in Del Norte County, offering travelers a refreshed gateway into California. The project, funded through Caltrans and the Clean California initiative, is part of broader statewide beautification efforts, with another monument planned along U.S. 101.
New Daily Bus Service Planned Between Eugene and Medford
Pacific Crest Bus Lines has announced plans to launch a new daily bus route between Eugene and Medford with stops in several Southern Oregon communities, including Roseburg and Grants Pass.
KCSD Upgrades Bus Fleet to Propane
Klamath County School District has nearly completed a decade-long transition from diesel to propane buses, improving safety, reliability, and fuel savings across its transportation fleet.
Veterans Can Soon Display Recognition Plates on Motorcycles and Mopeds
Oregon veterans will soon have a new way to display their service, as DMV rolls out a motorcycle and moped version of the state’s veteran recognition plate beginning Jan. 1.
Big X Improvements Near Finish Line
Medford’s “Big X” intersection is nearing the end of a major upgrade project that repaved roads, repaired bridges, added new traffic signals, and improved bicycle and pedestrian safety ahead of holiday travel.
ODOT Announces December Speed Zone Hearing and Weekend I-205 Bridge Closures
ODOT has announced two major updates for December: a public meeting on proposed speed limit reductions in Eugene and on U.S. 101, and overnight closures on I-205 for Abernethy Bridge construction. Additional daytime lane restrictions will also affect the Oregon City–West Linn Arch Bridge.
Fatal crash on 140E kills two from Klamath Falls
Two Klamath Falls residents were killed Wednesday in a rollover crash on Highway 140E after a passing attempt triggered a collision, according to Oregon State Police.
Officials Urge Safe Travel This Week
ODOT is urging travelers to prepare for heavy holiday traffic, winter weather, and potential delays as Oregonians hit the roads for Thanksgiving week. Crews will be working throughout the holiday to keep highways clear, but drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, check conditions, and travel with caution.
Oregon Declares Fuel Emergency After Olympic Pipeline Shutdown
Governor Tina Kotek has declared a statewide state of emergency following the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline, which supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon’s transportation fuel. While officials say current fuel supplies remain adequate, the order activates emergency plans and gives the state flexibility to keep fuel moving if conditions change.
AAA Forecasts Record 82 Million Thanksgiving Travelers
AAA projects a record 81.8 million people will travel for Thanksgiving this year, with the majority hitting the road. Concerns over recent flight cancellations may drive even more travelers to switch from air to car trips. AAA and transportation experts are urging early departures and caution on the roads.
TriMet Announces Layoffs, Works to Close $300 Million shortfall
TriMet has eliminated 68 administrative positions and reduced internal spending by $17.7 million as part of a long-term plan to close a projected $300 million budget shortfall. The agency says more service cuts and additional revenue measures will be needed through 2028.
ODOT to Host Open House on New Hawthorne Crossing in Bend
ODOT is hosting a Dec. 2 open house in Bend to share updated designs for the Hawthorne Crossing bicycle and pedestrian bridge. Community members can view the new truss-style concept, meet the project team, and submit feedback in person or online.
Public Input Sought on Main Street Plan
The City of Medford is inviting residents to weigh in on four proposed alternatives for the future configuration of Main Street. Feedback can be submitted through a Nov. 20 open house or an online survey available through Nov. 30.
$11.5 Million Awarded for Clean Truck Grants
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has awarded nearly $11.5 million in Clean Truck and Infrastructure grants for 2025, funding 43 projects statewide aimed at reducing diesel emissions and expanding zero-emission vehicle infrastructure.
Kotek Signs Emergency Transportation Bill
Governor Tina Kotek has signed House Bill 3991, securing $300 million to maintain Oregon’s roads, bridges, and transit systems while preventing layoffs and updating how the state funds transportation.