The Oregon Speed Zone Review Panel is scheduled to meet virtually at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, to consider proposed speed limit changes on two roads: North Columbia Boulevard in Portland and U.S. 101, the Oregon Coast Highway, in Yachats.
The agenda includes a request from Portland to reduce the speed limit from 40 mph to 35 mph on North Columbia Boulevard between North Burgard Road and North Interstate Place. Another proposal, requested by Yachats, seeks to lower the speed limit from 40 mph to 25 mph on sections of U.S. 101—specifically between 50 feet north of Overleaf Lodge Lane to East 9th Street, and from 200 feet south of Yachats River Bridge to 250 feet south of Windy Way.
“The panel will consider testimony from applicants, from ODOT and from the public.”
The meeting is open for public participation via Microsoft Teams or by phone. Accommodations are available for persons with disabilities if requested at least 48 hours in advance.
The Oregon Speed Zone Review Panel does not operate on a regular schedule but convenes upon receiving requests for speed zone changes, typically two or three times per year. The upcoming meeting marks its first session in 2025; the previous meeting was held in December of last year.
In Oregon, decisions about establishing or changing speed zones are generally made jointly by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and local road authorities such as cities or counties. ODOT conducts investigations into road conditions when asked by these authorities. If both parties agree on a recommended speed change, it is implemented directly; if not, the matter goes before the Speed Zone Review Panel for a final decision after hearing testimony from all involved parties.
“The panel also serves as an advisory body to ODOT.”
Panel members include representatives from the Governor’s Transportation Safety Committee, Oregon State Police, Association of Oregon Counties, League of Oregon Cities, and ODOT itself.
Further information about the panel can be found at the Oregon Department of Transportation Speed Zone Review Panel website.
