Central Oregon’s highways could see little or no paving after 2027, according to ODOT’s annual road condition report

(Update: Adding video)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon's Department of Transportation is facing funding issues that are so bad, non-interstate routes like U.S. Highways 97, 20, and 26 could see little to no paving after 2027.

The highway system is facing ongoing challenges as the condition of many roads continues to decline, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation’s 2024 Pavement Condition Report.

The report highlights that while 87% of Oregon’s 18,000 lane miles of pavement are still in fair or better condition, the quality of roads is slipping, with the percentage of “good” pavement reaching its lowest point since 2001. 

The report points to a significant decline in the number of roads classified as in “good” condition. Over the past decade, the amount of pavement rated as good has decreased, and without adequate maintenance, many roads in fair condition are at risk of deteriorating into poor condition within the next few years, the agency says.

ODOT’s goal is to preserve the condition of Oregon's highways through regular maintenance. As roads age, maintenance needs become more complex and costly. Timely maintenance, such as resurfacing and crack sealing, are the most effective way to prevent roads from further deterioration and to extend their service life. 

In the past 20 years, ODOT has managed to maintain a paving cycle of about 25 years. However, this is set to dramatically increase to a 500-year cycle by 2030. This will limit the ability to repair and preserve many roads, particularly non-interstate routes, which will see fewer repairs moving forward. 

“ODOT’s structural revenue issue is forcing the agency to dramatically pull back on our pavement maintenance and preservation efforts,” said Delivery and Operations Administrator Amy Ramsdale. “Without additional revenue or revenue reform, the quality of Oregon’s highways will significantly decline in just a few years.”  

Oregon lawmakers are looking at various options to shore up ODOT's funding, though nothing is concrete as of yet. KTVZ News is tracking the developments and will keep you posted.

Other Key Findings from the Report

• The number of roads in poor condition has been increasing, with more expected to deteriorate in the coming years. 

• Asphalt roads typically last between 10 and 30 years, while concrete roads last 40 to 60 years, depending on weather and maintenance. 

• After 2027, non-interstate routes will receive little to no paving, affecting overall road quality. 

The report emphasizes the importance of proactive maintenance to slow the deterioration of the state’s roads and prevent more costly repairs down the road. While ODOT has managed to meet key performance goals for pavement condition in the past, the growing backlog of maintenance needs and the increasing age of the state’s roads present significant challenges in maintaining these standards in the future. 

For more detailed information, visit the 2024 Pavement Condition Report on ODOT’s website.

Visit this site for more information on the structural revenue issue facing ODOT and transportation agencies across Oregon.