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Transportation in Umatilla County is about to get safer and more efficient thanks to two new plans: an updated Transportation System Plan (TSP) and a new Safe Streets and Roads for All Plan (SS4A). These plans, shaped by community input, will improve how people get around the county, whether they're driving, walking, biking, or taking transit. The county's main goal is to make roads safer. By improving roads and transportation systems, these plans will create a better future for everyone who travels through Umatilla County.

Goals

To ensure the County has a transportation system that works for everyone, the plans will:

• Make getting around the County easier and safer by understanding what leads to crashes and identifying solutions to prevent them.
• Support significant freight and agricultural transportation needs by helping businesses move agricultural products from farm to market, supporting local industries, and connecting residents to essential services.
• Improve roadways for all road users by adding shoulders for farm equipment, strengthening bridges, and building safe paths for walking and riding.
• Ensure transportation access for all by improving options for people with less access to transportation services, people living with disabilities, people with limited English proficiency, youth, and older folks.
• Help local agencies better prepare for roadway closures in response to wildfires, flooding, ice, and other unexpected events.

Mid-project Public Involvement Summary

During community engagement from March through May 2025, the County collected valuable feedback from Umatilla County residents about transportation challenges and needs. Through information tables at community events, visits to local businesses, an online survey, social media outreach, radio ads, and direct conversations with community leaders, staff were able to hear from a wide range of people across the County.

Feedback clearly shows that poor road conditions are the community's top priority, with specific locations like US 395 through Hermiston, the Umatilla River Road, and stretches of OR 11 needing attention. Residents also emphasized the need for expanded public transit, better truck traffic management, safer intersections, and more walking and biking infrastructure. These findings provide a strong foundation for developing the Transportation System Plan and Safe Streets and Roads for All Plan by ensuring that both plans address the real concerns and priorities of the people who live, work, and travel throughout Umatilla County. For a full summary of findings, see the Mid-project Public involvement Summary (Full).

Key Locations

Twelve priority locations were identified as areas of high concern, each of which received at least nine mentions during engagement. Most of these locations were described as unsafe roads in populated areas of Umatilla County. Click on locations in the map below to learn more.

Key Themes

The feedback also covered many different themes, from road conditions and safety concerns to public transit needs and truck traffic problems. People want higher-quality roads, safer intersections, more bus service, and solutions to keep heavy trucks out of neighborhoods.

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Project contacts

Megan Davchevski
TSP Project Manager
541-278-6246
Megan.davchevski@umatillacounty.gov