The City of Grants Pass is taking steps to reimagine a major downtown transportation corridor with the goal of improving safety, accessibility, and mobility for all users. In partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the city has initiated the 6th and 7th Streets Multimodal Corridor Study, a project aimed at identifying realistic and fundable infrastructure improvements that support walking, biking, and public transit, in addition to motor vehicle traffic.
The study corridor begins at Interstate 5’s Exit 58 and stretches southward across the Rogue River to the intersection locally known as the “South Y,” where US 99, Highway 238, and US 199 converge. It focuses on 6th and 7th Streets, which function as one-way couplets through the downtown area, and includes adjacent streets from 4th to 9th Streets. These two major routes—also part of US 99—form the spine of downtown’s current transportation system.
Currently dominated by automobile traffic, the corridor is a critical artery for both local and regional transportation. However, city planners are looking to evolve its design to create a safer and more efficient environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. The area serves a diverse range of users, from downtown shoppers and visitors to schoolchildren, seniors, and commuters. It also connects residential neighborhoods to key public spaces, government buildings, and commercial businesses.
This planning effort builds upon the goals outlined in the city’s 2020 Transportation System Plan and reflects a broader initiative to make Grants Pass a more livable and vibrant city. The study’s primary objective is to generate a list of feasible improvement projects that can qualify for state or federal transportation funding. These improvements could include updated pedestrian crossings, expanded bike lanes, enhanced transit stops, or changes to street design that better balance the needs of different transportation modes.
As part of the study, officials will assess current traffic patterns, identify safety challenges, and evaluate access points throughout the corridor. The city is also encouraging public participation and stakeholder engagement to ensure the final recommendations reflect community priorities and real-world conditions.
While the study is in its early phases, city officials intend to use its findings to guide future capital improvements and policy decisions. Recommendations from the study will help shape long-term infrastructure investments and support the development of a downtown that meets the evolving transportation needs of the community.
Updates on the project, along with maps and documents, will be made available on the city’s 6th-7th Streets Multimodal Corridor Study page as the work progresses. This online resource will provide residents and stakeholders with ongoing access to study materials and information on upcoming public involvement opportunities.
As Grants Pass continues to grow, this corridor study marks an important step toward building a safer, more accessible, and economically resilient downtown. By rethinking the role of 6th and 7th Streets, the city is laying the groundwork for a transportation system that works better for everyone—whether they walk, ride, roll, or drive.
