Project description

The primary obstacle to development in the McGilchrist Opportunity Area is the abysmal condition of McGilchrist Street, which lacks sufficient width to accommodate current traffic volumes, freight movement, people walking and bicycling, and stormwater drainage. There are no facilities for people walking or bicycling and the roadway is subject to frequent flooding associated with two undersized creek crossings and inadequate drainage.

The project will transform McGilchrist into a street that provides the necessary elements to support safe movement of goods and people by truck, rail, car, foot, and bicycle. Project elements include: additional travel lanes, turn lanes, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, planting areas, green stormwater infrastructure, measures to reduce flooding, a new signalized street crossing, and improvements to the existing rail crossing. In total, the project will improve approximately 8,500 linear feet of roadway.

The McGilchrist Opportunity Area is an area of inner south Salem approximately 468 acres in size. The majority of the area is zoned for industrial development and located within the

McGilchrist Urban Renewal Area. Once constructed, the McGilchrist Complete Street Project will promote development and support creation of new jobs that are close to residential areas. People will be able to use this corridor to support economic development in a sustainable manner, while reducing flooding and improving water quality for Pringle Creek, which runs through the area.

Supporting documentation

Note: The archaeological reports included in the project are confidential and not available to the public.