Salem drivers can expect some traffic around the intersection of State Street and Southeast 25th Street over the next six months due to a planned construction project that began this week. 

The city is building new curb ramps and a sidewalk, adding a pedestrian island and other safety measures.

The construction began May 12, and the work will be intermittent through October, according to a city statement. It will include some night work.

The project will cost an estimated $620,000, according to city spokesman Jason Roberts, using funds from the Oregon Department of Transportation and state gas tax revenue.

The aim is to reduce car crashes and make pedestrians more visible, the city said in a statement.

Another project will close eastbound traffic on a section of Southeast McGilchrist Street through the end of the year.

The work, between Southeast 22nd and 25th streets, will expand the street that serves as a thoroughfare near the city airport and its brewery district. The work will also add sidewalks and improve drainage to avoid flooding from Pringle Creek. 

The project is intended to make business development in the area more viable. It’s paid through a mix of federal grants, urban renewal money and the city infrastructure package voters approved in 2022.

Drivers can get current information about city road closures on the city website.

Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-575-1251.

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Abbey McDonald

Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.