About
Between North Albany and Corvallis, U.S. 20 is a rural two-lane highway with heavy commuter traffic of more than 18,000 vehicles per day. In addition to motorists, many bicyclists use this corridor.
This portion of the highway has a high volume of crashes and poor visibility for travelers turning on and off U.S. 20. In 2016, we completed the U.S. 20 Highway Safety Study and recommended a variety of safety improvements along this corridor, some of which are being implemented as part of this project.
Phase One – Proposed Safety Upgrades
U.S. 20 at Granger Avenue and Independence Highway
Key Issues
- High number of crashes from cars turning onto the highway.
- Increased traffic reducing the number of acceptable gaps/breaks in traffic for turning.
- Limited sight distance at county road intersections due to right turning vehicle queues.
- Limited distance between highway and railroad.
Proposed Improvements
- Installing a buffered right turn lane (westbound).
- Installing a median acceleration lane for left turning vehicles (eastbound).
- Adding striping and signing to guide bicycles through the intersections.
- Upgrading signing and striping for railroad crossings.
- Stormwater treatment.
- Building a short section of multiuse path above a new 20+ foot high retaining wall at Independence Highway for forward compatibility with the planned Benton County Bikeway.
U.S. 20 near Garland Nursery
Key Issues
- Vehicles heading westbound run off of the road at the outside edge of curve.
- Rear end crashes when vehicles slow down to enter the nursery.
Proposed Improvements
- Widening shoulders.
- Adding rumble strips.
- Raising the outside edge of pavement on the curve.
- Remove fixed objects (trees or poles) near the outside of the curve/north side of highway where possible.
Phase Two – Proposed Safety Upgrades
Conifer Boulevard to Merloy Avenue
Key Issues
- Rear end and turning crashes due to slowing vehicles and limited gaps.
- Large number of highway accesses/driveways.
Proposed Improvements
- Adding a center two way left turn lane.
- Treating stormwater runoff.
- Replacing sidewalk with a short section of multiuse path on the east side between Conifer Boulevard and NE Pilkington Avenue for forward compatibility with the planned Benton County Bikeway project currently in development.
Future Improvements – Proposed Safety Upgrades
Scenic Drive to North Albany Road
Key Issues
- Rear end and turning crashes due to slowing vehicles and limited gaps.
- Large number of highway accesses and local roads.
Proposed Improvements
- Adding a center two way left turn lane.
- Adding and replacing guardrail where needed.
- Widening shoulders.
- Bicycle and pedestrian improvement alternatives are being coordinated with the City of Albany and Benton County.
- Stormwater treatment.
- Upgrade signs and markings at railroad crossing.
Note: The Scenic Drive to North Albany Road portion of U.S. 20 is funded for preliminary design and evaluation of impacts. These steps will confirm future funding needs. No funding has been identified for final design or construction at this time.
Schedule
Phase One:
Design through 2021 with construction estimated to begin in early 2022
Phase Two:
Design through 2022 with construction estimated to begin in early 2023
Location
U.S. 20
|
Conifer Boulevard near Corvallis to North Albany Road
Cost and Funding
2018-2021 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP): - $4.2 million for a left turn lane from the Children's Farm Home to the Merloy Avenue intersection.
- $4 million for Garland Nursery and Granger Avenue intersection improvements.
House Bill 2017, Keep Oregon Moving funds:
- $20 million for additional corridor safety improvements (as specified in the About section above).
Total Funding for both phases:
Additional Resources
Learn more about:
Pedestrians, including those with disabilities, will have access through or around work zones.