If you drive Highway 97 through Madras, change is coming — and the Oregon Department of Transportation wants your input before the project breaks ground.

ODOT is holding an informational open house on Wednesday, May 27 to walk Madras residents and business owners through the planned renovation of U.S. 97 from Earl Street to Colfax Lane. The project has been in the works for years and represents one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades to the Madras corridor in recent memory.

What’s Planned

The Earl to Colfax project is designed to improve safety, traffic flow, and access along one of Madras’s main commercial corridors. Planned improvements include:

  • Road repaving and reconstruction
  • New and improved sidewalks
  • Traffic signal upgrades
  • Improved pedestrian crossings and ADA accessibility

The stretch of U.S. 97 between Redmond and Madras has historically ranked as one of the most dangerous road segments in Oregon, with a disproportionate number of serious injury and fatal crashes relative to its traffic volume. The Madras project is part of a broader ODOT effort to address safety deficiencies along the highway.

Why the Open House Matters

Construction on urban highway corridors can significantly affect local businesses and residents for months or years. ODOT has invited business owners and residents to the open house to learn about project timelines, construction phases, and what disruptions to expect. The agency has a track record of meeting with affected stakeholders before major projects begin, and the May 27 meeting is designed to answer questions before work gets underway.

Construction on this project is expected to begin in 2027, following completion of the design and environmental review process. The May 27 open house gives residents and business owners an early look at what’s planned and a chance to weigh in before details are finalized.

Open House Details

  • Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
  • Location: To be confirmed — check ODOT’s project page or the Madras Pioneer for venue details
  • More info: Oregon Department of Transportation, oregon.gov/odot or 503-731-8200

Madras business owners along the corridor are encouraged to attend given the potential impact on commercial access during construction. ODOT project managers will be available to answer questions.