SALEM – The Oregon Speed Zone Review Panel will hold a hearing at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the Oregon Department of Transportation Building, 355 Capitol Street NE in Salem, Gail L. Achterman Commission Room. Agenda items include a discussion on speed zoning on NE 102nd Avenue in Portland and an ODOT request for speed reduction on U.S. 20 (Central Oregon Highway), just east of Bend. The panel will also continue its oversight role in the updating of administrative rules for setting designated speed limits. The public comment period has ended for these proposed revisions. The panel will discuss the comments received and prepare a recommendation for the Oregon Transportation Commission.
In Oregon, decisions regarding speed zones are made jointly by ODOT and the authority governing the road, such as a city or a county. ODOT has the responsibility to investigate roads for establishing new speed zones or changing posted speeds of existing speed zones. ODOT performs these investigations at the request of the road authority.
If the recommended speed is of mutual agreement between ODOT and the local road authority, the speed zone is established. If mutual agreement cannot be reached, the speed zone decision is referred to the Speed Zone Review Panel. The panel receives testimony from the local road authority and interested parties and makes the final decision. The panel also serves as an advisory body to the department.
