ODOT presents phased plan and immediate left‑turn restriction for Highway 22/51 corridor

Oregon Department of Transportation staff on Wednesday gave Polk County commissioners an update on the Oregon 22/51 corridor project, describing an immediate safety measure and a multi‑phase plan for a larger reconstruction.

Anna Henson, ODOT area manager for Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties, said the agency has funded a near‑term safety fix to address recent fatalities tied to left turns from Highway 51 onto Highway 22 westbound. "The last two fatalities were left turns out of from 51 onto 22 westbound, and this fix will help that," Henson said.

ODOT project staff described the immediate measure as a restriction on the problematic left turn from Highway 51 that will reroute the movement via South Oak Grove Road. The restriction will be implemented with advanced signage, a physical barrier and cones, and will leave local access (right‑in/right‑out) for nearby residences. Kumar Resnasamy, an ODOT project lead, said the South Oak Grove route provides better sight lines and reduces conflict with other left‑turning traffic at the 22/51 intersection.

The presentation also outlined a larger multi‑phase project to address corridor safety and access. ODOT staff said they had broken the full build into smaller, fundable phases and conducted value‑engineering work that produced about 22 recommendations to reduce cost and refine phasing. The agency said it is funded for design and environmental (NEPA) clearance but does not yet have right‑of‑way or construction funding for the full build.

Cost and phasing: ODOT described Phase 1 as roughly $160 million (funding sources under consideration, including the state bridge program or bonding) and a Phase 2 estimate in the range of $120–$150 million. Staff provided a current overall project estimate of roughly $280–$300 million in today's dollars and said that figure does not include future inflation.

Roundabouts and median barrier: staff said value engineering considered multiple roundabouts and access changes. The current design includes roundabouts at North Oak Grove and South Oak Grove as part of a reconfigured access strategy that would reduce footprint near environmentally sensitive areas. ODOT emphasized that a continuous median barrier down the corridor is essential to achieve the full safety benefit, but the barrier depends on completing key west‑ and east‑side intersection improvements — notably at 22/51 and Dokes Ferry Road — before it can be installed.

Timeline and next steps: staff said they hope to finalize phasing and environmental approach within about three months and anticipated returning to the county later this summer with more detailed phase graphics. For the near‑term turn restriction, the county will coordinate on use of South Oak Grove Road as a temporary reroute; the measure will include signage, barriers and coordination with county and law enforcement partners.

Commissioners thanked ODOT staff for the work and encouraged continued coordination with local governments and legislators on funding. ODOT staff also noted enforcement assistance from Polk County sheriff's deputies and urged motorists to obey speed limits and avoid impaired driving.