ODOT says staffing cuts would slow snow response, risk more load‑restricted bridges

On March 5 at an information hearing of the Economic Development Subcommittee of Ways and Means, Amy Ramsdell, delivery and operations division administrator for the Oregon Department of Transportation, told legislators that proposed budget reductions would cut hundreds of positions that keep roads and bridges in service.

Ramsdell said the department currently replaces two to three bridges per year and is on an approximate 900‑year replacement cycle; the governor—s budget would move the state closer to a 500‑year cycle. That work, she said, supports freight and other users and prevents structures from moving into a "distressed" category that could lead to load restrictions.

The distinction matters because load restrictions can prevent vehicles, including freight, from crossing bridges until repairs or replacements occur. Ramsdell said maintaining bridges in a state of good repair is the department—s current priority but that replacement funding is needed to avoid…