ODOT Updates

/ Bill Merchant

oregon department of transportation

Oregon Toll Program

In this issue

Have your say: We need your input on toll options to improve I-205 travel!

The I-205 Toll Project would toll all lanes of I-205 at—or near—the Abernethy Bridge. Tolls could help pay for improvements along I-205 and the seismic work needed on the Abernethy Bridge. With a toll, some people may choose to drive at times when the toll is lower; or, they may choose to carpool, take transit, or use other options instead. The result? More reliable travel. Even a small shift in the number of drivers on the road can reduce travel times.

Our I-205 Toll Project public comment period runs 45 days, from Aug. 3 through Sept. 16, 2020. We will host online activities where you can ask questions, offer feedback, and learn about the project. Your feedback, along with the technical analysis, will help us determine which toll alternatives to study during the I-205 Toll Project environmental review process. Learn more about where tolls could start and stop and how the different options could pay for roadway improvements along the corridor and manage congestion.

Have your say!

I-205 online open house webpage

An online engagement website features videos, links to technical documents and a survey to invite your comments.

You’re invited to participate in any of the following ways:

Read More Here

Modern tolling: No toll booths

Modern toll systems require no stopping and no toll booths. Learn more by clicking on the link above.

Video also available in Spanish.

What “environmental review” means for the
I-205 Toll Project

National Environmental Policy Act guides the process

The I-205 environmental review process begins this summer.

The I-205 Toll Project environmental review process begins this summer.

We take the first step in a two-year process to study potential environmental impacts of the I-205 Toll Project this summer. The environmental review process will also help us identify ways to meet the project’s purpose and goals and objectives.

The National Environmental Policy Act requires that government agencies consider the impacts of a project to the natural, community, economic and cultural environment before final decisions are made. Public engagement is a critical part of the review process.

Read More Here

Equity and transportation committee updates

Committees continue to advise I-205 and I-5 Toll Projects

Committee members on Zoom call

The Equity and Mobility Advisory Committee met July 28 to continue to advise the I-205 and I-5 Toll Projects.

Tolling is a new concept to most Oregonians. To address the needs of the public, regional partners and elected officials, we are committed to gathering feedback. Two advisory bodies are helping the project team consider public needs—the Equity and Mobility Advisory Committee and Region 1 Area Commission on Transportation.

Read More Here

What we’ve been hearing

How will toll revenue be used?

During the 2017-18 Value Pricing Feasibility Analysis and continuing until today, the toll team heard many times that people who experience congestion or pay tolls also should experience the benefits of a more reliable trip.

To address this recommendation, the toll team is requesting the Oregon Transportation Commission make a policy decision on Aug. 13, 2020. ODOT Toll Program Director Lucinda Broussard will ask that toll revenues collected in a corridor be used in that same corridor to provide transportation benefits to the surrounding community and traveling public.

For more information and to sign up for email updates, please check out the project website or email the project team.

Si desea obtener información sobre este proyecto traducida al español, sírvase llamar al 503-731-4128.

Nếu quý vị muốn thông tin về dự án này được dịch sang tiếng Việt, xin gọi 503-731-4128.

Если вы хотите чтобы информация об этом проекте была переведена на русский язык, пожалуйста, звоните по телефону 503-731-4128.

如果您想瞭解這個項目，我們有提供繁體中文翻譯，請致電：503-731-4128。

如果您想了解这个项目，我们有提供简体中文翻译，请致电：503-731-4128。

For Americans with Disabilities Act or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services, or more information call 503-731-4128,
TTY (800) 735-2900 or Oregon Relay Service 7-1-1.

The information in this document, and the public and agency input received, may be adopted or incorporated by reference into a future environmental review process to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act.

Farm endorsement renewals require certifications and in some cases a drive test

Aug. 12, 2020

SALEM – Retaining your farm endorsement when you renew your driver license is not automatic. Please make sure you are prepared before making an appointment at DMV.

A farm endorsement allows a driver to operate certain commercial vehicles on public highways in limited ways, providing a vital service for Oregon agriculture.

There are two things you need to know before renewing your Oregon driver license with a farm endorsement:

  • You must complete the Farm Endorsement Application – Form 735-6776 (7-20).
  • You also must be eligible to renew your farm endorsement without passing tests. If you do not have a commercial driver license (CDL), Oregon law requires anyone applying for or renewing a farm endorsement to pass tests if you have been convicted of certain traffic crimes in the previous five years or if you have a traffic crash on your record in the previous two years.

Ensure your Farm Endorsement Application is filled out properly before your DMV appointment to include:

  • A certification from your employer, or yourself if you are a self-employed farmer, stating that you are employed by a farmer or are a self-employed farmer.
  • A certification that you have experience operating the class of vehicle authorized by the farm endorsement.

Before approving your application DMV reviews your driving record. If you do not hold a CDL and have been convicted of one or more of five traffic offenses in the previous five years, or have been in a traffic crash in the previous two years, you must pass tests to qualify for your farm endorsement renewal.

The five driving offenses are:

  • Reckless driving
  • DUII
  • Failure to perform the duties of a driver involved in a traffic crash
  • Criminal driving while suspended or revoked
  • Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer

If you do not qualify for a farm endorsement without passing tests, then you must complete a CDL general knowledge test and a skills test in the class of vehicle authorized by the farm endorsement. When DMV resumes behind-the-wheel tests, more information on drive tests for farm endorsement renewal will be posted at OregonDMV.com.

Making appointments at DMV

DMV field offices are accepting appointments only for services that require in-person visits – primarily issuance and renewal of licenses. Behind-the-wheel drive tests are not currently being offered at DMV offices. In-person services are available by appointment only in order to limit the number of people inside the building and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

You can set an appointment at DMV2U.Oregon.gov.

More information

For more information on farm endorsements and license renewal, visit OregonDMV.com.

News media contact: David House, david.j.house@odot.state.or.us.

STIP Amendments for Public Review

August 18, 2020

* The STIP amendments approved 08/01/2020 through 08/15/2020 are now available online *

Hello from ODOT! Recent changes to projects in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or STIP, are available for review and comment.

Please visit the website, review the amendments and provide your feedback to the ODOT STIP Team. If you know someone who is interested in STIP amendments, please forward this note to them so they can sign up to receive these alerts!

Why are projects being changed? Amendments are required when there are certain adjustments to projects, such as a change in the cost or in the project size/scope/location. These amendments are being made to projects that have already been reviewed and approved and in many cases are moving along in their progress.

Remember, you can always update your subscriptions, including unsubscribing to this list (see links below) at any time.

Key information:

Website where we will post amendments to STIP projects: https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/STIP/Pages/Current-Future-STIP.aspx#amendments

Email for submitting your comments regarding a STIP amendment: OregonDOTSTIP@odot.state.or.us

Thank you for your interest in Oregon’s transportation system.

The ODOT STIP Team

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