Urban Design in Newberg: Necessary Infrastructure Upgrades or Unwanted Urbanization?

by Rebecca Wallis

Newberg, OR – March 22, 2025

As the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the City of Newberg move forward with their Urban Design Verification (UDV) project, plans are being developed to reshape key downtown roadways. The study focuses on OR 99W (E Hancock Street and E 1st Street) and OR 219 (E 1st Street), with proposals aimed at improving safety, pedestrian access, and traffic flow.

However, the project raises a fundamental question: Do these changes align with Newberg’s rural character, or are they a step toward transforming the town into a more urbanized hub?

The Case for Change: Safety, Accessibility, and Growth

The proposed improvements include bike lanes, pedestrian islands, upgraded crosswalks, and sidewalk expansions, which are often cited as key components of safer and more efficient transportation networks.

Key Benefits of the Urban Design Plan:

• Enhanced Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety – Raised crosswalks, improved striping, and pedestrian islands could create safer conditions for those walking or biking downtown.

• ADA Accessibility Upgrades – The project includes curb ramps and sidewalk enhancements to support accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

• Traffic Efficiency and Road Maintenance – By aligning with upcoming ADA and maintenance projects, these upgrades aim to maximize state and local resources.

• Potential Economic Benefits – Studies suggest walkable downtowns with improved pedestrian access can drive greater foot traffic to local businesses, increase retail spending, and boost commercial property values (Victoria Transport Policy Institute, Brookings Institution).

• Preparation for Growth – Infrastructure changes are intended to position Newberg to handle future population and transportation needs.

Jenna Berman, ODOT’s Region 2 Active Transportation Liaison, said the proposed improvements are not just about changing traffic flow, but about making downtown more accessible for everyone.

“The proposed improvements are focused on enhancing safety and accessibility for all modes of travel, rather than just driving,” she said. “The goal is to ensure that people walking, biking, and driving can move safely and efficiently while preserving the community’s character.”

Berman emphasized that these recommendations are grounded in local planning efforts and long-standing priorities.

“The City of Newberg has long supported re-envisioning downtown to better serve all modes of travel, particularly once the bypass provided an alternative route for truck traffic,” said Jenna Berman, ODOT’s Region 2 Active Transportation Liaison. “The Newberg Transportation System Plan recommended reducing a travel lane in each direction to improve safety and accessibility, while the 2017 Newberg Downtown Improvement Plan identified a road diet as a key strategy. This study builds on those goals by determining the most effective configuration for these changes.”

In response to concerns about parking, Berman clarified that while some changes are necessary to improve visibility and crossing safety, on-street parking will largely remain intact.

“The proposed changes will have minimal impact on downtown parking. Parking will remain available on both sides of E 1st Street, with only a few spaces at the ends of blocks removed to improve visibility at pedestrian crossings—aligning with current safety standards.” She said. “Additionally, the proposal for Hancock Street includes adding parking on the north side, where none currently exists, until a future project can widen the sidewalk.”

Concerns About Urbanization and Overreach

While the project is framed as a safety and accessibility upgrade, some residents view it as part of a broader shift toward urban infrastructure more commonly seen in Portland or larger metro areas.

Key Considerations and Potential Drawbacks:

• Rural Character – Proposed design elements, including protected bike lanes and pedestrian islands, may conflict with the aesthetic of Newberg’s historic downtown.

• Traffic and Parking Impacts – Fewer vehicle lanes and changes to parking layout could inconvenience local businesses and drivers.

• Timing – With traffic already reduced thanks to the Newberg-Dundee Bypass, some question whether such major changes are necessary now.

• Ongoing Costs – While initial funding may come from grants, long-term maintenance could create added costs for the city.

Leadership Perspectives: Balancing Safety and Community Needs

City Manager Will Worthey said safety remains a top concern, especially in high-traffic areas frequented by children.

“Speaking for myself alone,” Worthey said, “my main hope is that whatever ODOT does… ensures that traffic speeds are kept in check, since I have always been concerned about fast-moving heavy goods vehicles near kids downtown.”

City Councilor Robyn Wheatley also offered her thoughts, acknowledging both the potential benefits and the concerns surrounding the scope of the project:

“Initially I was not a fan of the design reducing traffic through 1st Street down to 2 lanes,” Wheatley said. “Traffic during rush hour downtown is already quite crowded with 3 lanes… We don’t have enough cyclists to warrant reducing an entire lane in my opinion. People prefer their cars over bikes too.”

Still, she emphasized that ODOT’s approach is grounded in crash data. “They determined 1st Street and Main has some of the most crashes in town… They also know speed has a lot to do with crashes… and one way to slow traffic is by reducing lanes.” Wheatley said the city had hoped to install a red-light camera at that intersection, but design issues caused the project to be delayed.

She also noted that the city requested feedback from downtown businesses, calling them “a main stakeholder,” but said no responses had yet been received.

Mayor Bill Rosacker, along with the rest of council, was also contacted for comment but did not respond by the deadline.

Shaping the Future: Options and Input

With a study completion date set for winter 2025, residents still have the opportunity to weigh in. ODOT plans to use the feedback to finalize recommendations and identify funding strategies.

Possible Middle-Ground Approaches:

• Implement Key Safety Fixes First – Upgrades to pedestrian crossings and ADA ramps could be prioritized without significantly altering traffic flow.

• Adjust Lane and Parking Designs – Flexibility in bike lane placement and intersection layout may help retain vehicle and business access.

• Tailor the Plan to Newberg – Rather than adopting a standard urban model, the city could emphasize local solutions that preserve community identity.

• Promote Public Engagement – Community members are encouraged to submit feedback before the comment period closes on March 30, 2025.

Those interested in reviewing the plans or submitting feedback can visit:
Public Comment Form: https://forms.office.com/g/zAQEzwg1eq
Project Overview: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Projects/OOH/NUDVP/Pages/About.aspx

What’s Next for Newberg?

As the UDV project moves forward, city officials and residents will face the challenge of balancing necessary infrastructure upgrades with a desire to preserve Newberg’s small-town feel. Whether the final design reflects a modernized urban corridor or a more modest, community-centered improvement plan, the decisions made today will shape the heart of downtown for years to come.

The Question Moving Forward

Can safety and accessibility improvements be made while maintaining the rural character of the town, or is Newberg at a turning point where urbanization is inevitable?

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Source: ODOT Newberg Urban Design Verification Project.