HISTORY

As previously stated, Highway 22 West is actually two roads competing for the same space. For years it was simply a local transportation corridor for the citizens of Polk County. It is frequently crossed by school busses and farm equipment. Businesses are located on or near the route, and residents use the road to travel to and from school and work. Efforts have been made over the years to slowly improve the road in order to match the needs of the gradually increasing population.

The second road (the expressway) is a high-speed route for tourists heading towards the coast and other attractions. Oregon has become a major tourist destination with many attractions along Highway 22 West and the coast. The Oregon Aquarium has expanded since featuring Keiko the Whale (of "Free Willy" fame) and local Indian tribes have developed casinos and gaming resorts along the way. One of these, the Spirit Mountain Casino, has become the most popular tourist attraction in the state of Oregon. These attractions, plus the rapidly increasing population of Oregon, have added significant and dangerous pressure to the road.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and local communities have been working to improve Highway 22 West for years. The following map illustrates many of these improvements.

In addition to the improvements illustrated above, significant steps have been taken to advance traffic safety and awareness on the road. These steps include:

· Increased state and local traffic patrols;
· The purchase of equipment for safety patrols;
· Safety improvement studies;
· Regional education programs on safety and awareness; and
· The addition of new traffic signs.

Click on Site Name to View a Map Detailing Critical Problem Locations
	Site 1: Rickreall Interchange
	Site 2: Greenwood Road Interchange
	Site 3: Highway 51 Interchange
	Site 4: College Drive Area

 

 

---

Go To | Project 22 Home Page | County Home Page | Webmaster |