Heads up, Lincoln City residents and travelers: Changes are coming to your commute. Starting January 27th, access to and from U.S. 101 at NW 14th Street will be closed off. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced that this temporary closure is part of an ADA curb ramp project aiming to build new curb ramps and install pedestrian push-to-cross buttons—necessities for creating accessible pathways for all individuals navigating the streets of our city.
According to ODOT, closing off NW 14th Street is not just about updates; it's also about safety and efficiency. "By closing access to NW 14th Street, we can keep our crews safer, finish the work faster and maintain pedestrian access on the west side of the highway," states an article published by the agency. The detour will reroute NW 14th Street traffic via NW Harbor Avenue and NW 17th Street to reach U.S. 101, while those navigating from U.S. 101 can use NW 12th Street to Harbor and back onto NW 14th Street.
The construction, expected to span up to two weeks, isn't meant to disrupt local businesses or parking—both will remain open during the upgrades. This attention to community impact reflects ODOT's commitment to minimizing the inconvenience that often accompanies roadwork. City-dwellers and business owners alike appreciate knowing that, despite the detours, accessibility to their destinations remains intact.
So, take note and plan accordingly. As road work unfolds and the sounds of progress buzz through the streets, travelers can rest assured that their temporary rerouting is a small trade-off for what promises to be improved accessibility and safety at the intersection of NW 14th Street and U.S. 101. The ODOT ensures that detour signage will be in place to guide the way, so whether you're driving, cycling, or on foot, keep your eyes peeled for those indicators and add a few extra minutes to your trips through Lincoln City.
