Officials with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) held an open house public meeting on Thursday, Aug. 14, at the Town Hall annex to present forthcoming improvement projects in Lakeview.
The construction work includes the construction of sidewalks along U.S. 395 between North 4th Street and North H Street, narrowing of the roadway and improved corner transitions at Industrial Lane and the Hwy. 140 and U.S. 395 junction.
As portions of the construction require ODOT to obtain right-of-ways and temporary construction easements, public input is needed for the work that is slated to begin next year.
ODOT project support specialist, Rex Holloway, noted that the installation of sidewalks along the highway is among the primary concerns. This stems from the standpoint of both aesthetics and pedestrian safety.
“For a pedestrian, it’s not very safe,” he said, “so that should help quite a bit.”
Holloway also noted that sidewalks provide a vital impression for outside travelers approaching the town. Narrowing the curves near the entrance of town is another safety-oriented effort, as slowing traffic down is a goal for ODOT. Retaining walls along U.S. 395 are also a planned installation alongside the sidewalks.
The turnoff onto Industrial Lane is also slated for improvement
The Hwy. 140 and U.S. 395 junction is another primary target area for ODOT, given the difficulties commercial truck drivers specifically face in negotiating the westbound turn onto Hwy. 140.

..for the complete story, refer to this week's Lake County Examiner.