PRINEVILLE, Ore. — Sidewalk improvements are underway on the eastern side of Prineville as part of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility across the state.

The Prineville Curb Ramp Improvement project is part of a larger initiative to bring sidewalks and curb ramps into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Crews are currently adjusting the slope of existing curb ramps and adding textured surfaces to help individuals with visual impairments navigate intersections more safely.

“Folks driving around Prineville are going to see people working on the sidewalks,” said ODOT spokesperson Kasey Davey. “What they’re doing is maybe adjusting the slope of the ramps. They might add texture to the ramps so that people with visual impairments know when approaching an intersection. That’s what the crews are working on right now.”

Local residents have expressed support for the improvements, noting the positive impact they will have on the town’s aging population and those who rely on wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

“There’s a lot of people in wheelchairs and they need sidewalks,” said Prineville resident Carla Kloepping. “Got to get around town.”

The upgrades follow a 2016 lawsuit filed against ODOT by the Association of Oregon Centers for Independent Living, eight individuals, and seven communities. The lawsuit alleged that ODOT had failed to make curb ramps and pedestrian signals ADA-compliant along state highways, creating significant barriers for people with disabilities.

Since then, ODOT has taken steps to address the concerns outlined in the suit. According to Davey, the department has upgraded approximately 25,000 curb ramps across Oregon in the years following the legal action.

“We’re continuing that work today and, you know, getting closer and closer every year,” Davey said.

ODOT expects the Prineville curb ramp improvements to be completed by June.