Expect some sidewalk drilling action coming up this Friday in La Grande's downtown area, as crews gear up to prepare for a major accessibility upgrade project. According to an announcement from the Oregon Department of Transportation, the work is a prelude to the Eastern Oregon 2024-2027 ADA Curb Ramps, Phase 3. Sidewalk users should look out for potential detours at several key intersections along U.S. 30/Adams Avenue, including the southwest corner of Fourth Street, the north and east corners of Chestnut Street, all corners of Depot Street, Elm Street, the east corner of Fir Street, and east corner of Hemlock Street, although traffic and parking are not expected to be impacted.
The drilling is pretty straightforward: crews will be punching six-inch holes to peek at what lies beneath the concrete, which is part of the planning phase for the upcoming construction work. While they'll drill, scope, and patch the holes all in under an hour, they won't be drilling over any known basements, which is good news for local infrastructure and those concerned about potential subsurface issues. The sidewalk dance will only last for short intervals, but walkers should be ready to follow any detour signs.
The hand-held drilling equipment will check for materials or voids under the sidewalks, an important step before accessibility improvements start in fall 2026. Using a scope camera, the crew can spot potential problems early, helping to minimize surprises and maximize efficiency when construction of the curb ramps begins. This drilling is part of the Oregon DOT’s effort to bring curb ramps in Eastern Oregon up to current ADA standards, improving safety and access for all pedestrians.
