City Council Ratifies Updated Main Street Reconfiguration

Published on May 21, 2026

At its May 20 meeting, the Medford City 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 $1.2 million, would require repayment of previously awarded Oregon Department of Transportation grant funding, and is expected to add approximately 40 parking spaces downtown.

Medford Public Works estimates the project can be completed by fall 2026.

To watch the meeting, click here.

Related Information

City Council Updates Direction on Main Street Reconfiguration

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Share Your Input on Main Street Alternatives In-Person or Online

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City Council Votes to Revert Main Street to Previous Configuration

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Council to Seek Public Feedback on Main Street Restriping Project

After receiving a report covering eight potential alternatives for the Main Street restriping project in downtown Medford, City Councilors have asked City staff to develop a public outreach plan for feedback on four of those alternatives.

Lane Reconfiguration Installation to Begin Along East Main Street

Installation for the lane reconfiguration on East Main Street (approximately between Bear Creek and Oakdale Avenue) is expected to begin on Thursday, October 12. While construction is scheduled to take place during the night, it may cause some traffic delays during the day.

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."