Major safety work begins this week on Harney Street in Newport

NEWPORT – Construction along Northeast Harney Street from U.S. Highway 20 to Northeast Seventh Street starts this week and is expected to last through the summer.

The city-funded project is a part of an effort to bring pedestrian, bicycle and traffic safety improvements near schools, making it easier for students to walk and bike to school. The project is funded through more than $1 million in grants from the Oregon Department of Transportation “Safe Routes to School” program, with additional funding by Newport’s urban renewal agency.

The project includes extension of the sidewalk along the west side of Northeast Harney Street from Northeast Seventh Street along the county Commons property to U.S. Highway 20; improved bicycle lanes; new and enhanced crosswalks; accessibility ramps; additional signs and safety features for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists; stormwater line improvements, and new pavement.

A separate ODOT project will add dedicated turn lanes to the northbound and southbound approaches at the intersection of Highway 20, Harney Street and Northeast Moore Drive. That project also includes new crosswalks and upgraded traffic signals. Construction is anticipated to start in 2027.

This summer, drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists can expect increased construction activity along Harney Street and are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible to help reduce congestion and improve safety for work crews.