The Newberg Traffic Safety Commission heard a presentation on options to add a marked pedestrian crossing at Fernwood and Brucher during its regular meeting (date not specified). Keller Associates presented three alternatives and identified site constraints, estimated costs and coordination needs; staff said no formal action was requested at this stage.

Keller Associates engineer Mitch Mol Medina summarized the firm’s review, saying the site “is part of 2 active issues log items, dated back to 2022 and 2023, where residents have asked for a marked crossing at this intersection.” The study found a heavily skewed, 44‑foot crossing distance, nearby utility infrastructure that may require relocation, and an ODOT parcel immediately south of the intersection that affects where a receiving ramp could be placed.

The study outlined three options: convert the intersection to an always‑stop control with stop signs, stop bars, a marked crosswalk, lighting and signage (engineer estimate about $66,000); an economical mid‑block crossing east of Brucher with curb bulbouts, high‑visibility markings, pedestrian ramps and lighting (about $65,000); and a more robust mid‑block crossing east of Brucher that adds a raised speed table and a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) (estimated about $118,000). Keller staff noted the RRFB hardware and installation can add several thousand dollars to a mid‑block option.

Keller and city staff flagged several constraints that affect feasibility and cost: the proposed receiving ramp for the intersection option approaches an ODOT parcel south of the intersection (which may require acquisition, annexation or an easement), existing utilities could need relocation, and a city ordinance permitting golf cart use on portions of Fernwood/Brucher requires rerouting golf‑cart access if the existing informal crossing is closed. Keller also cited Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidance that warns marked crosswalks at uncontrolled intersections are generally ineffective without additional countermeasures and that mid‑block installations with signing and illumination are often preferred.

Commissioners and staff debated tradeoffs. Commissioner Russell Johnson said he was concerned that “directing pedestrians and other users to a mid block location, some percentage of users will continue to cross at the current location, and it won't really accomplish the goal we desire of improving safety for them.” Staff responded that closing the existing informal connection and removing the short asphalt tie that connects the sidewalk to the trail could discourage the undesired crossing, and that either the intersection conversion or the mid‑block options are viable from an engineering perspective but carry distinct constraints.

City staff said the study was presented for information and to identify constraints rather than to request action from the commission. Brent (city staff) described the next steps: the preferred option would likely become a capital improvement project, with negotiations as needed (including potential discussion with ODOT) and ultimate decisions routed through the city manager, mayor and city council. As Brent said, “This is put together at this stage once we identify the scale of the project. It's gonna end up being a capital improvement project and go into that realm.”

Commissioners asked about emergency vehicle access on raised tables, solar power reliability for flashing devices in tree shade, and whether moving a crossing would shift unsafe crossings to the current location. Staff said emergency vehicle needs and power reliability would be addressed in project design and that monitoring would rely on police observations and crash records.

No formal vote or direction was requested or taken on the Fernwood–Brucher study at the meeting. Staff said the commission may make recommendations to the city manager if it chooses, and that future steps could include negotiating for right‑of‑way, refining location and design, and adding the work to the capital project list.

Votes at a glance: the commission approved the July 14 meeting minutes (motion moved by a commissioner, seconded by Rose; vote recorded as aye). The meeting adjournment was moved and seconded and the commission adjourned.