Polk County, OR – Major safety improvements are coming to two of Polk County’s most crash-prone intersections. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced plans to begin construction in 2026 at Highway 22’s intersections with Kings Valley Highway (OR 223) and Perrydale Road, both located west of Rickreall.
According to ODOT, roughly 10,700 vehicles travel through this stretch daily, and the area has a documented history of fatal and serious injury crashes, many involving young or aging drivers. The project aims to reduce those incidents by improving traffic flow and visibility.
Planned upgrades include a new roundabout at Hwy 22 and Kings Valley Highway, plus a realignment of Perrydale Road north of Hwy 22 to eventually route traffic through a second roundabout when funding allows. South of the intersection, Perrydale Road will be straightened to make it easier for drivers to see oncoming traffic.
Both intersections rank among Oregon’s top 5% highest-crash sites, according to the state’s Safety Priority Index System (SPIS). That system helps ODOT identify and fund the most critical road safety projects statewide.
Residents can explore detailed maps, project updates, and share feedback via ODOT’s online open house at ODOT’s website.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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