PENDLETON — Oregon Department of Transportation crews have begun upgrading curb ramps along Highway 395 in Pendleton as part of a larger effort to improve accessibility in the area.

The project aims to bring curb ramps into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Crews are upgrading ramps along Highway 395/Southgate, starting at the southeast corner of Southwest 37th Street, near the entrance of CHI St. Anthony Hospital.

According to the state of Oregon website, ODOT is constructing sidewalk infill along U.S. 395 to improve safety and access. Additionally, flashing lights and striping will be added on the Highway 11 to enhance safety for everyone.

ODOT crews will work through the week of April 21 on the southeast corner and continue their progress at various intersections across the city. They will also focus on the southwest corners of Highway 11 at Southeast Goodwin Avenue, Southeast 17th Street and Southeast Court Avenue.

During the next couple of weeks, work will continue on Ladow, Nye, Marshall, Olson and Perkins avenues.

Intermittent side street closures may occur, with flaggers directing traffic as needed. Pedestrians will have access through or around work zones and businesses will remain open during construction, according to the ODOT press release.

In addition, ODOT will replace the asphalt walkway with a wider concrete sidewalk on the east side of 395, from Southwest Tutuilla Road to Southwest Perkins Avenue.

The agency also plans to install pedestrian-activated flashing beacons at the following Highway 11 locations: Southeast Isaac Avenue (milepost 1.19) and Southeast 17th Street (milepost 0.31).

Crews will reconfigure lanes to add bike lanes on Highway 11, from the Interstate 84 interchange to Southeast Court Avenue.

The project is estimated to cost $12 million. The team includes Consor as the design consultant and construction manager, with Brown Consulting Inc., of Eugene, serving as the contractor.

Crews are scheduled to work Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., although schedules are subject to change.