Construction work on the Grant Street Arch and downtown Canby quiet zone project is nearly complete, the city reported recently, although work has been delayed due to weather.
City Administrator Scott Archer provided an update to Mayor Brian Hodson and the Canby City Council during a meeting last month.
Funded by urban renewal dollars, the quiet zone project involves installing new safety mechanisms and other upgrades to the railroad crossings at Elm, Grant and Ivy streets that would make it so train engineers are no longer required to sound their horns at each intersection.
They may still sound the horn in emergency situations or to comply with other federal rules.
The quiet zone will be completed once the final safety striping and appropriate approvals from the railroad and ODOT are in place. The safety striping started May 25 and was planned to continue depending on the weather.
The arch is also receiving its finishing touches, including the installation of the banner-pulley system, which will allow for the display of banners showcasing city-wide events and community happenings.
The arch, which was also urban renewal-funded, is uplit by LED lights on both of the pillars that anchor the archway. The lighting displays can be changed throughout the year to highlight events, holidays, or even the Canby High School colors.
Designed by Scott|Edwards Architecture, the gateway arch features a blend of existing aesthetics from the downtown core with a Canby sign and minimalist design inspired by the Encinitas Archway in California.
The project is an economic development tool that city leaders hoped would help entice motorists passing by on Highway 99E to visit and patronize downtown merchants and restaurants.
The City of Canby is currently accepting recommendations from community members for a time capsule that is proposed to be installed in the Northwest pillar of the Grant Street Arch.
If you have suggestions for items representing Canby in 2022 to be included in the time capsule, fill out the survey located at www.surveymonkey.com/r/W5FVVRP.
The city will host a grand opening event once construction is complete and the quiet zone approvals are fully in place. While the date of the event has not yet been set, the dedication is expected to be sometime this summer.
