Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists in Madras can expect significant changes to U.S. Highway 97 — the main artery through the city — as the Oregon Department of Transportation moves forward with a long-planned improvement project.
What the Project Includes
The ODOT Earl-to-Colfax project targets U.S. Highway 97 from milepost 91.58 to 97.00, as well as a section of U.S. Highway 26 from milepost 116.40 to 117.71, and several local streets in the City of Madras. Improvements include:
- Repaving of highway lanes
- New ADA-compliant curb ramps and sidewalks
- Signal upgrades, including new push buttons, illumination, and vehicle detection equipment
- Enhanced pedestrian crossings
- Improved stormwater drainage
- Bridge repair
- Streetscape improvements including bulb-outs
The project is designed to extend the life of the highway while also making Madras safer and more walkable — addressing longstanding concerns about pedestrian safety along Highway 97's busy commercial corridor.
Context: Growing Pressure on Highway 97
Central Oregon leaders, including Jefferson County commissioners, have increasingly flagged Highway 97 as a safety and capacity concern. The corridor between Redmond and Madras has seen significant growth pressure as both communities expand, yet state transportation funding has remained tight.
An ODOT open house held in 2024 gave community members the chance to review the project plans and offer input. The Madras city government has maintained a dedicated project page on its website for the Earl-to-Colfax work.
Timeline
The project was announced as starting in 2026. ODOT has not yet released a specific construction start date or expected duration for the Madras work. Construction on active highway corridors typically involves phased lane closures and may cause delays for commuters. Residents should watch for official ODOT notices as the project moves toward a groundbreaking.
For project updates, visit the ODOT project details page or the City of Madras' Earl-to-Colfax project page at madras.gov.