Development News for Newport, Oregon

Resident Concerns Over Traffic Safety and Highway 101 Access Prompt Council Discussion

The City Council discussed resident concerns regarding traffic safety and access to Highway 101, particularly in the Pacific Beach Homes neighborhood. Residents highlighted issues with the lack of traffic lights at exits from new apartment complexes and existing neighborhoods onto Highway 101, citing near-misses and a past fatality. The discussion included the increased traffic expected from new apartment developments and the potential need to revisit the possibility of installing a traffic light at one of the intersections to improve safety and access.

City Council Approves Contract for Harney Street Improvement Project

The City Council approved a construction contract for the Moore-Harney US-20 intersection and street improvements, also known as the Safe Route to School project on Harney Street. The project involves improving Harney Street between US 20 and Northeast 7th Street, including sidewalk installation, ADA-compliant ramps, striping, storm drainage, and landscaping. The bid opening on May 26, 2026, resulted in only one responsive bid from Roden Driveway, which was within 4% of the engineer's estimate. Construction is slated to begin in mid-June and be substantially completed by September 4th, before the school year starts. The contract includes liquidated damages for delays. The project also involves coordination with ODOT and adjacent property owners, and relocation of a city access point for public works.

Newport Police Officer Awarded Lifesaving Medal for Heroic Actions

During the City Council meeting, Officer Jeremiah Mangum of the Newport Police Department was awarded the Lifesaving Medal for his actions on January 23, 2026. Officer Mangum responded to a 911 call about a male who had attempted suicide and was semi-conscious with significant blood loss. Upon arrival, Officer Mangum quickly assessed the situation, applied a tourniquet to the victim's arm, and controlled the severe bleeding until EMS personnel arrived. His swift and decisive actions directly prevented the loss of life and stabilized the individual for transport to the hospital, demonstrating superior performance of duty and upholding the highest traditions of the department.