Know Before You Light!

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the City of Medford is reminding residents to celebrate responsibly and follow local fireworks regulations.

Fire danger in the Medford area is currently High. While consumer fireworks are legal during the designated use period, current conditions make it especially important to follow safety precautions and dispose of fireworks properly.

Learn more.

Close this announcement

City Council Updates Direction on Main Street Reconfiguration

Published on April 15, 2026

The Medford City Council has updated its direction on the future configuration of Main Street in downtown Medford.

During the April 15 City Council meeting, Council voted 6–2 to rescind its prior January decision and move forward with a new design option 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.

A formal resolution to memorialize this direction is anticipated to be considered at a future City Council meeting in May. The City will continue to share updates as the project moves forward.

Related Information

City Council Ratifies Updated Main Street Reconfiguration

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.”

City Council Considers Proposals for Main Street Restriping

The Medford City Council is evaluating three updated alternatives for the Main Street restriping project in downtown Medford.

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

The Medford City Council is asking for community input on several design alternatives for Main Street in downtown Medford.

Main Street Public Feedback Presented to Council

City staff presented the results of the Main Street open house and online survey to the Medford City Council at its Dec. 10 study session.

City Council Votes to Revert Main Street to Previous Configuration

The Medford City Council voted Jan. 21 to return Main Street to its previous configuration, following months of evaluation and a public outreach campaign.

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.”