Dallas, OR – Drivers in Polk County should expect traffic delays Tuesday, September 16, as The Wall That Heals—a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial—makes its way from Salem to Independence.
According to the Dallas Police Department, the convoy will travel through Dallas around 1 p.m. Tuesday, accompanied by a motorcycle escort and police units. The procession is expected to briefly slow traffic at multiple intersections along the route.
The Wall’s path will follow Highway 22 west, then turn onto Highway 223/Main Street through downtown Dallas before continuing via Washington Street, SE Uglow Avenue, and SE Monmouth Cutoff Road. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office noted the route passes directly in front of the courthouse during the lunch hour, a time when traffic is typically heavy.
Officials recommend drivers use alternate routes such as Levens or LaCreole Roads if possible. Delays at intersections are expected to last only a few minutes at each stop, though congestion could build in downtown Dallas.
Once in Independence, the memorial will be installed at the Sports Park off Deann Drive. It will open to the public on Thursday, September 18, and remain on display 24 hours a day through Sunday, September 21. The exhibit includes a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., along with a mobile education center.
