100 years of transportation safety: learning from the past, working toward a zero fatality future
In 1913 when the Oregon Legislature created the State Highway Department (now ODOT), transportation safety meant Oregonians trying to share dirt roads safely with horses, pack animals, bicycles, pedestrians and the latest technology – automobiles. A lot has changed in the last 100 years, yet one thing has remained the same, our commitment to safety for the traveling public and our employees.
Old employee photograph
Our ODOT Librarian was perusing an old 1977 employee newsletter and found this group photograph (pdf) of our 1929 Engineering staff. They are posing on the steps of the old Capitol building (before it was destroyed in 1935). Talk about an historic picture! See if you recognize any names.
Document ties together past and present
ODOT employee Barbara D. saved the 1920 vehicle registration that belonged to her grandfather, "Mr. Kneebone of Falls City" (note the address, or lack thereof!). "Kneebone" is Cornish and Barbara's great grandparents were tin miners who came to the United States in 1843, after the mining industry collapsed in England. Her mother saved bits of family history, like this registration notice from then Secretary of State Ben Alcott. Thanks for sharing, Barbara! (Click on the image to see a larger version.)
Join us as we celebrate a century of service to Oregon. Send us your transportation history stories and we'll post them on the web. Feel free to include photographs as well. Be sure to include your name and contact information.
New video celebrates the legacy of Conde B. McCullough
As part of our 100th anniversary “Century of Service” celebration, we’ve created a new video (YouTube) showcasing some of the beautiful work of Oregon’s pioneering bridge designer Conde B. McCullough. From 1919 to 1935 McCullough designed and supervised the construction of some of the West’s most beautiful and functional bridges.
The video, produced and shot by Public Information Officer Peter Murphy and Videographer John Kazmierski (shown at left), is just one part of our year-long celebration of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s 100th anniversary.
Over the past century, transportation in Oregon has been characterized by impressive eras of progress; innovators, their creations, and the Oregonians who supported them; and noteworthy achievements that have helped shape Oregon’s highly valued way of life.
By celebrating ODOT’s first 100 years, we are seeking ways to further contribute to our mission of providing a safe, efficient transportation system that supports economic opportunity and livable communities for Oregonians.
Celebrations to mark anniversary
Around the state, ODOT will be looking to highlight local, historical efforts as part of our 100th Anniversary celebration. Here are some of the events we will be bringing an historic aura to -
Spring/summer: On the U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Safety project, we're using the 100th Anniversary theme on our public outreach materials, and on the OR 211 at Dubarko Road project, we're including copy to encourage interest and participation. ODOT Contact: Kimberly Dinwiddie, kimberly.dinwiddie@odot.state.or.us
- Susan’s Bridge: Sometime this spring or summer, our eastern Oregon crews will celebrate Harney County pioneer Susan Whiting, who died in the early 1900s. The old bridge plaque will be presented to family for preservations. ODOT contact: Tom Strandberg, thomas.m.strandberg@odot.state.or.us
- Woodburn Project Groundbreaking, July 2, 2013: I have a major event that will likely be in late spring, probably April or May. It is the Woodburn Interchange Project groundbreaking. There will definitely be an opportunity to incorporate the 100th anniversary celebration in the event. Banner, giveaways. ODOT contact: Lou Torres
- Fall, 2013: We'll be celebrating the Willamette River Bridge Project sometime this fall, when the bridge is open to traffic. More details to come! ODOT contact: Jyll Smith, jyll.e.smith@odot.state.or.us
Look for more information about events in your area, or contact Shelley M. Snow in ODOT Public Affairs, (503) 986-3438, for more information.