While the higher speed limits authorized in House Bill 3402 for several Central and Eastern Oregon highways won’t take effect until next year, travelers are already seeing some changes as Oregon Department of Transportation crews perform maintenance work before winter sets in.
The changes include extended or added no-passing zones indicated by a solid yellow line in the lane of travel. All motorists are cautioned to be mindful of the changes and obey traffic laws that restrict passing when a solid yellow line is in their lane.
HB 3402 will allow travelers to legally drive higher speeds on Interstate 84 between The Dalles and the Idaho border starting March 1, 2016. Several secondary highways in Central and Eastern Oregon will also see speed limits increased, including portions of U.S. 20, U.S. 26, U.S. 95, U.S. 97, U.S. 197, U.S. 395, OR 31, OR 78, and OR 205.
No-passing zones are being updated now as ODOT crews restripe highways to add a fresh coat of reflective paint, such as the yellow lines that separate oncoming traffic. Because striping activities have to be performed in summer and fall months before winter weather, the no-passing zone changes that reflect next year’s higher speed limits are being made now.
“In some cases the solid yellow line indicating no-passing will be extended, leaving a shorter distance to pass slow moving vehicles,” said ODOT Traffic Devices Engineer Eric Leaming. “In other cases new no-passing zones will be added to areas that previously allowed passing. These changes are needed because as everyone travels faster it takes more distance to complete a passing maneuver.”
If there is not enough room, or if motorists cannot see far enough ahead to safely pass other vehicles, the lane will be striped with a solid yellow line for no-passing.
Part of the restriping effort includes removing the yellow skip-line in areas where new solid yellow, no-passing lines are painted on both lanes. Removal of the errant skip line from areas where it is no longer needed will be performed with specialized water blasting equipment in October.
“Through the months of September and part of October travelers may notice highway striping that shows two solid yellow no-passing lines, plus the old yellow skip line down the middle,” Leaming said. “The old skip line will be removed by the end of October from areas where it is no longer needed. In the meantime, travelers need to remember that a solid yellow line in their lane means it’s not safe to pass.”
The highway restriping activities that began last month are expected to be completed by the end of October.
