City Council Approves Main Street Striping Contract

Published on September 03, 2026

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At its September 2 meeting, the Medford City Council approved a $368,352.25 contract with Specialized Pavement Marking, LLC, to remove and reinstall striping on Main Street. The work will cover approximately 3,000 linear feet between Oakdale Avenue and 8th Street. 

In May, the Council voted 5-2 to ratify its April 15 decision to rescind a previous January vote to revert Main Street to three lanes and instead move forward with a new configuration known as “Option 2A.”

This configuration includes two travel lanes, angled on-street parking on the left curb, parallel parking on the right curb, and a one-way bike lane. 

The option is estimated to cost approximately $1.25 million total, including sign and signal work and repayment of previously awarded Oregon Department of Transportation grant funding.

Work is scheduled to take place during September and October, with an estimated completion date of October 31, 2026.

To watch the meeting, click here.

 

Related Information

 

Project Background and Timeline 

The Main Street Reconfiguration Project has evolved over several years as part of broader efforts to improve safety, accessibility, and mobility in downtown Medford. 

2018: The City adopted its Transportation System Plan (TSP), identifying Main Street as a corridor for future bicycle facility improvements. 

2022: The City initiated a Multimodal Study to evaluate transportation design options on key downtown streets, including Main Street. Council indicated interest in moving forward with changes. 

2023: Council supported a restriping concept that included reducing travel lanes and adding bicycle facilities and parking. The project was included in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan, and grant funding was secured through the Safe Routes to School program. 

2024: A “Before & After” study was presented to Council. Based on that review, Council expressed concerns with the existing layout and directed staff to develop additional options. 

2025: Council reviewed a range of alternatives and narrowed options for further consideration. The City conducted public outreach, including an open house and online survey, and returned to Council with community feedback and additional analysis related to safety, design, funding, and future development impacts. 

January 2026: Council voted to return Main Street to its previous three-lane configuration and approved Council Bill 2026-07, directing staff on that preferred approach. 

April 2026: Council revisited the January decision and evaluated updated options. Following discussion, Council voted 6–2 to rescind the prior direction and instead advance “Option 2A.” 

May 2026: Council ratified its April decision to rescind its January direction and move forward with "Option 2A." 

September 2026: Council approved a $368,352.25 contract with Specialized Pavement Marking, LLC to remove and reinstall striping on Main Street.