If you drive U.S. 97 through Madras, your commute is about to look very different for the next two years — and the Oregon Department of Transportation wants to walk you through what to expect.

ODOT is hosting a public open house on Wednesday, May 27, at Madras High School. The event will give residents, business owners, and commuters a look at the final design and construction schedule for the U.S. 97 Earl Street to Colfax Lane renovation project, a sweeping $42 million reconstruction that is slated to begin this summer.

What the Project Includes

The project covers a significant stretch of Madras’s main corridors:

  • U.S. 97 from Chestnut Street through Madras to Colfax Lane
  • U.S. 26 from Earl Street to the junction with U.S. 97

Planned improvements include:

  • Full reconstruction and repaving of highway sections
  • Stormwater system upgrades
  • Signal improvements at stoplights and pedestrian crossings
  • Bridge updates
  • Curb and sidewalk expansions

The project is expected to run from summer 2026 through spring 2028.

Concerns from Local Businesses

When the project was announced last year, downtown Madras business owners expressed concern about how construction would affect access to storefronts along Fourth and Fifth streets. The open house is partly designed to address those concerns by giving businesses and residents direct access to ODOT planners and the final design details.

At least one business owner voiced fears that the disruption could be existential for some downtown retailers.

“I’m honestly concerned that some of the businesses downtown will not survive” the construction period, one owner told the Madras Pioneer last year.

ODOT has indicated it will work to maintain access to businesses during construction, though specific traffic management plans will be detailed at the open house.

When and Where

The open house is Wednesday, May 27 at Madras High School. Residents are encouraged to attend to ask questions directly and review the construction schedule that will affect daily life in Madras for the next two years. Time for the event was not yet confirmed at press time; check with the city of Madras or ODOT for final details.