In a recent Newberg City Council meeting, the discussion centered around a proposed semi-permanent street closure at the intersection of East Illinois and Main Street, a junction that has long troubled local residents due to safety concerns. The intersection, which connects Main Street with the 240 State Highway, has been the site of numerous near misses, prompting complaints to the Traffic Safety Commission and City Engineering Department.

City officials presented data indicating that while actual crashes have been few, the intersection's design poses significant challenges for drivers. The line of sight for southbound drivers is severely limited, leading to dangerous situations as they attempt to navigate the busy junction. A technical memorandum from Kittleson and Associates highlighted these issues, rating the intersection's visibility as "extremely poor" during peak hours.

Given the high costs associated with potential solutions—such as road realignment or the installation of a signalized intersection—City staff proposed a simpler approach: closing off East Illinois at the intersection. This would streamline traffic flow and reduce the complexity of navigating the junction, allowing drivers to focus solely on the main highway.

To gauge community sentiment, the city conducted outreach efforts, including door-to-door invitations and a digital survey. The results were overwhelmingly in favor of the closure, with 78% of respondents supporting the measure. However, some residents expressed concerns about the aesthetics of any barriers and suggested alternative traffic management strategies.

The council is now faced with a decision on whether to proceed with the closure. The estimated cost for implementing the closure is between $15,000 and $20,000, which is already allocated in the city’s budget. As discussions continue, the council must weigh the safety benefits against the concerns of a minority of residents who oppose the plan.

With the potential for improved safety and traffic flow, the proposed street closure could mark a significant step forward for the Newberg community, addressing long-standing issues at a problematic intersection. The council plans to revisit the matter in their next session, ensuring that all voices are heard before making a final decision.