Additional Information

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In response to the growing number of fatal and severe-injury crashes on county rural roads, the 2019 Oregon Legislature directed the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to create a county safety corridor program. Previously, the designation was only available on ODOT highways. The first seven miles of London Road qualified for this program because the number of fatal and severe-injury crashes exceeds statewide averages.

The London Road Safety Corridor (LRSC) is a pilot project – to inform both the State and the County about the efficacy of the Safety Corridor program. This is a three-year designation, beginning July 4, 2021 and ending July 5, 2024. “Safety Corridor” informational signs and “Fees Double” regulatory signs will be installed along London Road.

Safety Corridor Sign

The Safety Corridor program aligns with Lane County’s commitment to work Toward Zero Deaths. In partnership with the Association of Oregon Counties, Oregon Department of Transportation, and South Lane Fire and Rescue, Lane County will be guiding safety actions on the London Road Safety Corridor. The team includes the Sheriff’s Office, Public Health staff with expertise in drug and alcohol prevention and education, and Public Works staff with planning, engineering, and maintenance stewardship of roads. Safety actions include engineering, enforcement, and education.

Engineering

“Safety Corridor” and “Fees Double” signs will be installed. Centerline rumble strips were installed in summer 2020. Curve warning signs will be installed in 2021.

Enforcement

The Sheriff’s Office will be working overtime to provide traffic enforcement on the corridor. Fines for traffic violations will be doubled during the two-year Safety Corridor pilot program. The most recent speed data collected in February 2021 identified 36% of people driving over the 55 mph speed limit with the greatest recorded speed at 90 mph. The fines apply to the following:

Class A or Class B traffic violations.
Class C or Class D traffic violations related to exceeding a legal speed.
Reckless driving, as defined in ORS 811.140.
Driving while under the influence of intoxicants, as defined in ORS 813.010.
Failure to perform the duties of a driver involved in an accident or collision, as described in ORS 811.700 or 811.705.
Criminal driving while suspended or revoked, as defined in ORS 811.182.
Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, as defined in ORS 811.540.

For further information on the doubling of fines, click here for our fact sheet.

Education:

Public service announcements, press releases, and other public education campaigns will be provided throughout the two-year Safety Corridor pilot program. The education campaigns will be focused on behavior change. The leading causes of fatal and severe-injury crashes on the corridor are excessive speed and intoxication. People will be encouraged to “make a plan” to avoid speeding and intoxication.