Oregon Department of Transportation Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Highway Traffic Has Almost Returned To Pre-Pandemic Levels, But Transit Still Way Down

By Tom Banse December 2, 2021

Traffic on Oregon and Washington highways is nearly back to pre-pandemic volumes.

You're not imagining things if driving in Pacific Northwest traffic feels as busy these days as it was before the pandemic. Traffic data from the Oregon and Washington transportation departments show highway volumes are nearly back to 2019 levels.Read More

Oh, Deer! Washington Wildlife Officials Warn Of Increased Vehicle Collisions During Mating Season

By Courtney Flatt November 4, 2019

A mule deer uses a wildlife crossing below Highway 97 in Oregon, the same major north-south route in north-central Washington's Okanogan County looking at similar measures. CREDIT: ODOT

Washington state wildlife officials are asking that you slow down, don’t drive distracted, use your high beams when you can, and brake a little longer if you see just one deer, since often more deer will follow.Read More

In Astoria, Cormorant Birds Take Over Iconic Bridge, And Salmon Below Are On The Menu

By Tom Banse June 13, 2019

Cormorants returned to the Astoria Bridge to roost at nightfall on June 3, 2019.

Cormorants by the thousands have taken up residence under the landmark Astoria-Megler Bridge over the Columbia River. Their poop can corrode the bridge and that is unacceptable to the Oregon and Washington transportation departments. But what actions to take against the protected birds and whose responsibility that is are up in the air.Read More

Meet The Companies Testing Self-Driving Vehicles In The Northwest

By Tom Banse May 21, 2018

Google spin-off company Waymo is one of seven companies that has notified Washington's Department of Licensing that they plan to test self-driving vehicles. CREDIT: WAYMO

Seven different companies have notified Washington's Department of Licensing that they plan to test self-driving vehicles on roads in the state. Oregon transportation officials have gotten notifications from two other companies.Read More