Salem-News.com Traffic articles

Court Street in Downtown Salem Will Soon be Two-Way

Crews will change aspects of the streetscape on Court Street this week.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Court Street, between Commercial St. NE and High St. NE, will be restriped to provide east and west two-way traffic to address mobility and usability issues within the City’s core.

The project will also include new medians and islands, traffic signals, and lighting.

Fatal Crash on Hwy 20 Near Newport

Oregon Hwy 20 was partially closed for five hours.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A two-vehicle crash on Hwy 20 near Newport that claimed one life was reported just before 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 17, 2023.

A RAV4 was eastbound when it crossed the centerline and crashed head-on into a westbound Toyota Tacoma.

OPEC Cuts Production Pushing Pump Prices Higher

Rising oil prices & demand for gas means higher prices at the pump

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - A surprise announcement by OPEC+ to cut oil production has sent crude oil prices soaring above $80 per barrel. That along with robust demand for gas in the U.S. are pushing pump prices higher.

The Oregon average adds four cents to $3.93.

Motorcycle Lane Filtering Law Passes Oregon Senate

SB 422 will allow motorcyclists to avoid dangers of stop-and-go traffic under certain conditions.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Today, the Oregon Senate passed Senate Bill 422 with strong bipartisan support.

This measure would permit motorcyclists to filter between lanes of traffic on certain Oregon roads when traffic is moving slowly or stopped.

Winter Weather Continues Over Oregon`s Mountain Passes

Preparation is your best bet to safely navigate traveling.

(SALEM, Ore.) - As winter storm systems continue to roll through Oregon, we want to remind everyone to be prepared for what they may encounter over mountain passes in the coming days.

Many higher elevations across the state are expecting heavy snow, strong winds and reduced visibility.

Drunk Driver Sentenced in the Deaths of Four People

Rodriguez had no prior criminal convictions.

(SALEM, Ore.) - 25-year old Enrique Rodriguez Jr. was sentenced to 310 months^[1] in prison yesterday by Marion County Circuit Court Judge Lindsey Partridge for his role in the fatal DUII incident on March 27, 2022, that killed four people and seriously injured two more.

When tested, Rodriguez’s blood alcohol content was .224%.

Driver Dies in Single-Vehicle Collision into Tree

The incident remains under investigation.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Just before 6:00 p.m. Saturday evening, December 24, the driver of a truck collided with a tree near the intersection of Commercial and Owens STS SE, resulting in his death.

The arriving patrol officer and paramedics extracted the driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Portland Man Killed When Over 45 Vehicles Crash on I-5

One fatality and 4 subjects were transported to area hospitals.

(EUGENE, Ore.) - Preliminary estimates of involved vehicles are 15 to 20 Commercial Motor Vehicles and 45 passenger vehicles with one confirmed fatality.

Interstate 5 southbound was completely blocked with a detour in place and remained closed most of the day.

Salem Man Charles Hatfield Killed on I-5 Friday Night

"As much as he was loved he also loved all of you."

(SALEM, Ore.) - Friends and family of Charles Hatfield are in disbelief as to how such a tragedy could have happened. They have created a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral costs and other bills.

"With heavy hearts we are hoping to come together and help take some of the burden off of Charlie’s family."

Heads Up! It`s National Motorcycle Awareness Month

Motorcycles make up 3% of all registered vehicles but account for 17% of all occupant fatalities in the U.S.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Many drivers state during the post-crash interview that they simply did not see the motorcycle or moped rider.

In 41 percent (1,034) of fatal crashes, the other vehicles were turning left while the motorcycles were going straight, passing, or overtaking other vehicles. They simply "didn't see" the motorcycle.