Crook County adopts 2025 Transportation System Plan with Juniper Canyon and Powell Butte projects
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Summary
The Crook County Board of Commissioners voted Oct. 15 to adopt the county’s 2025 Transportation System Plan (Ordinance 3-54), a 20-year planning document that lists Juniper Canyon widening alternatives, roundabout projects at Powell Butte/Highway 126, and guidance to better accommodate agricultural vehicles.
The Crook County Board of Commissioners voted to approve Ordinance 3-54 adopting the county's 2025 Transportation System Plan on Oct. 15, 2025, after a second public hearing and deliberations by staff and commissioners.
The plan is a 20-year, countywide blueprint that updates the 2017 transportation system plan and identifies priority projects intended to improve safety and mobility. Staff said the board's approval adds three Juniper Canyon widening alternatives (including a proposal from Davis Loop to state Highway 380), prioritizes roundabout projects at the Powell Butte Highway/Highway 126 corridor, and inserts language directing that agricultural vehicle mobility be considered in future project design.
The planning director and the county's consultant, Ryan Farncomb of Parametrix, summarized technical revisions made since the prior hearing, including cost updates suggested by the Oregon Department of Transportation and the addition of a Juniper Canyon widening alternative. Farncomb and staff described illustrative cross-sections showing wider shoulders for slow-moving farm equipment, potential two-way left-turn lanes, and other safety elements.
Public testimony at the hearing focused on the Powell Butte/Highway 126 intersection. Multiple residents and community members — including Melissa Pearson, Gary Likens and Terry (Jerry) Dugan — told commissioners the intersection is dangerous during peak hours and urged the county to move the identified projects forward. Several speakers said traffic and heavy truck loads from quarries have increased local congestion and pushed cut-through traffic onto rural roads.
Commissioners and staff emphasized that the TSP is a planning document intended to establish priorities and help secure state and federal funding. Staff said inclusion on the TSP is a necessary step for ODOT and other funders to consider county projects. No construction funding was adopted as part of the ordinance; specific project design, environmental review and funding processes were described as subsequent steps.
After deliberation, the board passed a motion to accept the planning commission's recommendation and approve Ordinance 3-54 and the 2025 TSP. The board instructed staff to finalize the documents for signature and to continue pursuing funding opportunities.
