City of Salem – 08/11/22 5:00 PM
Salem has been awarded $13.2 million through the RAISE Discretionary Grant Fund for the McGilchrist Complete Street Project. The funding is part of a bipartisan infrastructure funding package passed earlier this year by the U.S. Congress and announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation in coordination with Senators Merkley, Wyden, and Congressman Schrader.
The grant will help fund the expansion of McGilchrist St. SE in Salem, improving the roadway from 12th St. SE to 25th St. SE. Developments are currently underway on this project, including securing right-of-way and finalizing the design of phase 1, which includes the realignment of the 22nd Street SE intersection to be constructed in the summer of 2023. The RAISE grant will fund the remaining design and construction of phases 2 and 3. The anticipated construction start date for phases 2 and 3 is 2025.
The project will transform McGilchrist St SE and provide the necessary elements to support the safer movement of pedestrians, bicyclists, trains, and vehicles. Project elements include:
- Additional travel and turn lanes
- Bicycle lanes
- Sidewalks and shared use paths
- Planting areas
- Environmental infrastructure, including stormwater and flood reduction facilities,
- Traffic signals and streetlights
- And an improved rail crossing
Once constructed, the McGilchrist Complete Street Project will promote development and support the creation of new jobs that are closer to many residential areas, supporting economic development in a sustainable manner, while reducing flooding and water quality concerns in neighboring Pringle Creek.
This was the sixth time the city of Salem has sought a grant to help fund this project. More details on the McGilchrist Urban Renewal Area or the history of the grant proposal and letters of recommendation by Oregon’s congressional delegation for the McGilchrist Complete Street Project can be found at CityofSalem.net
