| Southeast Salem Area Transportation Study |
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| Overview |
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The Oregon Department of Transportation in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the City of Salem, and Marion County, is conducting a study to address transportation issues in the southeast corner of the City of Salem. Planned growth in this area is expected to increase traffic, requiring a closer look at how transportation issues will be resolved.
The Southeast Salem Area Transportation Study (SESATS) encompasses the section of Oregon 22 (Mission Street/North Santiam Highway) from 25th Street to Gaffin Road, the I-5/OR 22 (North Santiam) Interchange, the OR 22/Lancaster Interchange, OR 22/Gaffin Road Interchange and the I-5/Kuebler Interchange. Whether or not an interchange is necessary at Cordon Road is also being analyzed.
The end product of the study will be a set of plans that outline recommended improvements to the transportation system. This could include changes to the existing interchanges and the surrounding local roads, changes to local driveways or accesses, or land use restrictions to control traffic generation. The plan includes:
- OR 22 Expressway Management Plan (EMP)
- OR 22/Kuebler Interchange Area Management Plan (IAMP)
- OR 22/Lancaster Interchange Area Management Plan (IAMP)
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| Map |
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| Background |
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Oregon 22 provides an important east-west connection across Salem and between Central Oregon, Salem, and the coast. The segment that is the subject of this study is designated as an urban expressway by the Oregon Transportation Commission. OR 22 between the I-5 interchange and the downtown area is designated as a Salem gateway in the Salem Comprehensive Plan.
Southeast Salem is a rapidly growing area, with several new developments planned or expected in the near future. The Mill Creek Industrial Park is the biggest new development planned for the area. Mill Creek is a premier industrial site located on a 700-acre parcel east of Kuebler Boulevard formerly owned by the Oregon Department of Corrections. Mill Creek is expected to bring hundreds of new jobs to the area as industries are sited there.
Other recent and planned developments include the Fairview Industrial Park west of the airport and Sustainable Fairview, a mixed residential and commercial project located on the former site of the Fairview Hospital and Training Center. Several other sites in the area are being developed, or have the potential for development, as well.
Many of the intersections and freeway ramps in the study area transportation system are already experiencing congestion. In 20 years, nearly all are projected to have traffic that exceeds capacity. In addition, operational issues have been identified at some of the interchanges in the area.
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| Study Objectives |
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- Support expected industrial and other growth in the study area.
- Provide better connections to I-5 and OR 22.
- Improve operation of area interchanges.
- Keep traffic moving safely.
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| Timeline |
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Study Local System and Identify Deficiencies
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Summer and Fall 2005
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*Public Open House*
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Develop Preliminary Recommendations
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Fall 2005 to Summer 2006
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Refine Recommendations and Prepare Draft Plans
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Fall 2006 to Winter 2007
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Review Draft Plans
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Winter/Spring 2007
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*Public Open House*
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Adopt Final Plans
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Spring 2007
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*Public Hearing*
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| Decision-Making |
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A Project Management Team (PMT) that includes ODOT, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the City of Salem, Marion County, the Department of Land Conservation and Development, and the Department of Administrative Services guides project decisions. The PMT uses information from the technical analysis and input from agencies and the public to make decisions concerning the project. Final plans will be approved by the Oregon Transportation Commission and will become an amendment to the City of Salem’s Transportation System Plan.
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| Funding for Improvements |
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Some immediate, short term and long term improvements have been funded for the area. An amount of $65 million has been allocated for bridge improvements and widening of Interstate 5 between OR 22 and the Kuebler Interchange in 2006–2007. That project is currently under construction. An amount of $5 million is included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for improvements at the Kuebler Interchange in 2008. This study will confirm the short term solutions and help to identify long term solutions for funding.
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| Public Involvement |
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Input from local residents, businesses, property owners, and organizations is an important part of this project. Ways to participate and stay informed include:
1. Get on the mailing list (see contact information below). A periodic newsletter will provide study updates and announcements about upcoming events.
2. Attend the public meetings.
Open House #1 - October 13, 2005
Purpose: Learn about the study, discuss your comments and concerns
Summary of Open House #1
Meeting with Property Owners near Lancaster Interchange
October 9, 2006
Purpose: Discuss the potential impacts of the OR 22/Lancaster IAMP with local property owners near the interchange.
Fact Sheet- Lancaster IAMP
Open House #2 – To Be Announced (Winter/Spring 2007)
Purpose: Review Draft Plans, provide feedback
Public Hearing – To Be Announced (Spring 2007)
Purpose: Review Final Plans, provide feedback
3. Contact the project team directly for more information and to provide comments (see contact information below).
4. Check this website periodically for updates. New information will be posted as it becomes available.
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| Contacts |
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Dan Fricke, Project Manager
ODOT Region 2
455 Airport Rd. SE, Building B
Salem, OR 97301-5395
(503) 986-2663
daniel.l.fricke@odot.state.or.us
Randa Gahin, Public Involvement Coordinator
Jeanne Lawson Associates
1110 SE Alder Street, Suite 301
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 235-5881
rgahin@jlainvolve.com
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