HERMISTON — Contractors begin work Wednesday, March 27, in Hermiston to add a dedicated turn lane to Northeast Fourth Street at the intersection with East Main Street.

According to an announcement from the city, work should begin at 8 a.m., and restriping will disrupt traffic on Northeast Fourth. That work should take a day. East Main Street will remain open during the project.

The East Main and Northeast Fourth streets intersection is one of the busiest surface street intersections in Hermiston and has become more congested with southbound traffic waiting to make a left turn onto East Main and blocking through traffic, according to the city.

An April 2023 traffic data count indicated the intersection has almost reached its intended capacity. More than 350 new housing units in development on Diagonal Road to the east will continue to add residential traffic through this intersection during traditional heavy travel periods in the morning and early evening.

This project, along with recently completed traffic signal upgrades, will alleviate the congestion.

Because the restriping will remove seven street-side parking spots on Northeast Fourth Street, capacity will be added through new angled parking on the north side of east Gladys Avenue one block to the north. This will match the angled parking that exists a block to the west in front of the Hermiston Public Library and several residences.

To see the staff presentation and council discussion on the project, go to www.hermiston.or.us/citycouncil/page/city-council-17.