Baker City Council approves restriping Main Street from four lanes to three

The Baker City Council voted 5-2 on November 10 to restripe a half-mile section of Main Street downtown from four lanes to three, according to bakercityherald.com.

The restriping will affect the stretch between Campbell Street and Auburn Avenue and will be in place for two years before the council reassesses the situation.

Councilor Loran Joseph, who made the motion, emphasized that the decision is not final and the city can revert to the four-lane configuration if the change does not work as hoped.

Supporters of the restriping, including Mayor Randy Daugherty and Councilors Joseph, Loennig, Roger Coles, and Gratton Miller, cited crash statistics from other cities suggesting the change could enhance safety without causing excessive congestion.

Opponents expressed concerns during a crowded council meeting, with one councilor voting no because she opposed adding bicycle lanes on both sides of Main Street, citing safety issues with large vehicles sharing the road with cyclists.

Another councilor voted no believing that voters should decide on the restriping, while supporters argued the change would reduce speeds and protect pedestrians.

The vote followed recent city elections, with two new councilors set to take office in January, but the restriping decision was made by the current council.