November 12, 2009

"Wimp Open Equals Safety","We Want Wimp Open" read the signs of Crooked River Ranch residents protesting in snowy conditions Thursday morning at a joint meeting  between Jefferson and Deschutes County Commissioners.

The Oregon Department of Transportation recommended closing Wimp Way due to safety concerns which Deschutes County Commissioners approved.
Highway 97 and Wimp Way is in the top 30% for traffic accidents in the state with 10 crashes from 2001-2008 or 1.4 a year.

ODOT included plans for the closure in what they call the Terrebonne project, which  included turn lanes at Lower Bridge Way 2 miles south of Wimp Way. Many of the residents complain about the longer trip from Madras.

"It's absolutely safety first and convenience second and for the two miles of additional travel on a 27, 28 mile trip seemed reasonable to us," said Bob Bryant, ODOT's Region Manager.

Signs were seen inside Thursday's meeting as frustrated residents want Deschutes County to change their mind on closing Wimp Way. They feel it's more of a safety risk to increase traffic at Lower Bridge and are fearful police and fire will not be able to respond as quickly.

"Everybody here is frustrated to the max. I'm frustrated because they won't listen to us. They've already made up their minds," said James Aikens, Crooked River Ranch Resident.

Jefferson County Commissioners want to redesign Wimp Way to make it safer and keep it open. But it's ultimately Deschutes County's decision.
Deschutes County Commissioner Dennis Luke was not at the meeting saying the debate is over.

"The things that Jefferson County want to do cost money and I'm sure if Jefferson County wants to come up with money for those improvements ODOT would be willing to listen, but this project is done," said Luke.