Medford Council Approves School Sidewalk Contract
The city moves forward with a $541,083 plan to improve pedestrian safety near 11 local school district sites.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in City Hall
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On October 7, 2026, the Medford City Council approved a $541,083 contract for sidewalk construction aimed at enhancing student safety. The project will add 1,800 feet of new infrastructure across seven street segments.
Why it matters
This infrastructure initiative seeks to provide safer routes for students navigating to and from classes. It represents the initial phase of addressing a broader list of 44 locations identified as needing sidewalk improvements.
The city council approved a $541,083 expenditure for 1,800 feet of sidewalk spanning seven segments on Sunrise Avenue, East 4th Street, 10th Street, Biddle Road, and Corona Avenue. Funding for the broader initiative includes $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act money, $2 million in state grants, and $2 million in local gas tax revenue.
The players
Medford City Council
The legislative body responsible for the governance and municipal budget of Medford, Oregon.
Medford School District
The local public education agency that collaborated with city officials to identify pedestrian safety needs.
Three Dimensional Contracting, LLC
The private construction firm selected to manage the installation of the new sidewalk segments.
The details
The project serves 11 schools across the Medford School District that were prioritized from a comprehensive list of 44 identified high-need areas. Three Dimensional Contracting, LLC was awarded the contract to carry out the specified improvements.
Timeline
October 7, 2026: The Medford City Council officially approved the school sidewalk contract.
Political Context
The project follows a pattern set by the American Rescue Plan Act, which provides municipalities with federal resources to upgrade local public infrastructure. While the measure passed, opposition typically highlights concerns regarding the use of local gas tax funds for non-arterial road projects versus immediate traffic congestion relief.
Residents near Sunrise Avenue, East 4th Street, 10th Street, Biddle Road, and Corona Avenue should prepare for upcoming construction activity that may impact local traffic flow. This investment directly utilizes state and local tax funds to improve pedestrian access and increase safety for students walking to the 11 district schools.
The takeaway
This project prioritizes pedestrian safety for students by leveraging a mix of federal, state, and local funding streams. Property owners in the designated areas can expect improved sidewalk connectivity following the completion of the current contract.
Further reading
Learn more about local legislative actions in the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KDRV - TV.
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