ODOT May Help with Ellsworth Street Lane Markings in Albany

State transportation agency says supplemental signage or pavement markings could improve the area, but current funding levels prevent immediate changes.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:07pm

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The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has reviewed the diagonal lane marking on Ellsworth Street at the intersection with Ninth Avenue in Albany and determined that additional signage or pavement markings could help improve traffic safety in the area. However, ODOT said current funding levels prevent them from implementing these changes right now, but they will re-evaluate the improvements if more funding becomes available in the future.

Why it matters

The diagonal lane marking on Ellsworth Street has caused confusion for drivers, with some ignoring the line and crossing into the adjacent lane, leading to close calls and near-collisions. Improving the visibility and clarity of the lane markings could help prevent future accidents at this intersection.

The details

The diagonal lane marking on Ellsworth Street at Ninth Avenue is intended to allow drivers in the right lane to get into position for a left-hand turn onto Ninth Avenue, but only if drivers in the left lane obey the line and stay in their lane. However, some drivers have been ignoring the line and crossing into the adjacent lane, leading to dangerous situations. The Albany Public Works Department contacted ODOT about the issue, and ODOT's regional traffic engineers reviewed the site and determined that supplemental signage or pavement markings could improve the area.

  • On January 21, 2026, the diagonal lane marking on Ellsworth Street at Ninth Avenue was observed.
  • On January 22, 2026, the issue was first reported by the Albany Public Works Department.
  • On January 30, 2026, the Albany Public Works Department received a response from ODOT regarding the lane markings.

The players

Andrew Monaco

An employee of the Albany Public Works Department who contacted ODOT about the lane markings on Ellsworth Street.

Brad Dennis

A member of the North Albany Neighborhood Association (NANA) who raised the issue of the lane markings at a Transportation Advisory Commission meeting.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)

The state transportation agency that reviewed the lane markings on Ellsworth Street and determined that supplemental signage or pavement markings could improve the area.

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What they’re saying

“I heard back from ODOT, and their regional traffic engineers reviewed the site and determined that supplemental signage or pavement markings could improve the area. However, current funding levels prevent them from implementing these changes at this time. They will re-evaluate the improvements if additional funding becomes available.”

— Andrew Monaco, Albany Public Works Department

“We were both driving south on Ellsworth, in the right-hand lane, but preparing to turn left on Ninth. The person in the left lane did not stay in their lane as it angled to the left. They went straight, crossing into the adjacent lane, nearly colliding with us.”

— Brad Dennis, North Albany Neighborhood Association (NANA)

What’s next

ODOT will re-evaluate the improvements to the Ellsworth Street lane markings if additional funding becomes available in the future.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of clear and visible lane markings for traffic safety, and the challenges that local transportation agencies can face in securing the necessary funding to implement improvements, even when they are deemed necessary by traffic engineers.