Eastern Oregon Eyes Highway 97 Safety Push as State Funding Faces Cuts

While state transportation budgets tighten, the conversation around improving U.S. Highway 97 is gaining urgency here in Eastern Oregon. For Boardman residents, the vital north-south artery is more than a route to Bend; it’s a lifeline for commerce, agriculture, and daily travel.

Local leaders and safety advocates are echoing concerns raised by their Central Oregon counterparts, emphasizing that the highway’s challenges don’t stop at county lines. The stretch serving our community sees a heavy mix of freight trucks from the Port of Morrow, tourist traffic, and local vehicles, creating unique safety pressures.

“We share the same road and many of the same risks,” said a Morrow County official. “When we talk about adding turning lanes, improving interchanges, or enhancing signage south of the Columbia, those projects directly impact safety and efficiency for our drivers and our economy right here.”

The state’s broader transportation funding shortfalls could delay critical infrastructure projects statewide. This has prompted Eastern Oregon officials to stress the need for continued investment in 97 as a statewide priority, crucial for moving Oregon goods and connecting rural communities.

For Boardman, a key logistics hub, reliable and safe highway access is non-negotiable. The push from Central Oregon serves as a reminder that local voices must unite to ensure our corridor’s needs are not overlooked in Salem, especially when every dollar counts.