The Mt. Hood Highway between Sandy and Government Camp - a designated highway safety corridor - experiences more crashes (especially during winter-time driving conditions) than other rural highways.
ODOT has invested in a number of safety improvements, such as cable median barrier and other median improvements, that have shown a significant reduction in crashes. But, there are still specific and significant safety concerns throughout this corridor.
In 2009, an independent, multi-disciplined team conducted a Road Safety Audit (RSA) of U.S. 26 between the Camp Creek Campground and Timberline Highway. The study resulted in a list of critical safety issues, their relative safety risk and suggestions for improvement. As a result of the RSA, ODOT is proposing several improvements to further enhance safety on the mountain.
ODOT is proposing the following improvements at the corresponding locations.
Camp Creek Entrance (MP 47.0 - 47.1)
• Problem:
--Drivers misjudge the curve because of restricted visibility, lose control and hit trees
• Proposed Solution:
--Increase size of "Curve Ahead Sign"
--Trim back trees inside curve
--Widen graveled westbound shoulder
--Add guardrail to eastbound shoulder
Milepost 47.6 - 48.8
• Problem:
--Lack of safe westbound passing opportunities throughout corridor
--Lack of safe chain on/off areas throughout corridor
• Proposed Solution:
--Within the existing tree line, add a westbound passing lane and add a safe chain on/off area
--Provide a Variable Message Sign to inform drivers of chain requirements and designated
chain on/off area
Map Curve (MP 49.4 - 50.1)
• Problem:
--Rocks on roadway
--Cross-over crashes as a result of missing the curve and unsafe westbound passing
• Proposed Solution:
--Cut back rockface and provide catchment to keep rocks off roadway (requires some tree
removal)
--Widen to install aesthetic concrete median barrier
Between Map Curve & Mirror Lake Curve (MP 51.3 - 51.6)
• Problem:
--Unsafe westbound passing
--Speeding
--Cross-over crashes
• Proposed Solution:
--Widen to install aesthetic concrete median barrier
Mirror Lake Curve (MP 51.6 to 52.2)
• Problem:
--Crashes caused by driving too fast for weather conditions
--Westbound passing lane is too short
--Changing lanes in curve is difficult to maneuver
• Proposed Solution:
--Extend both eastbound and westbound passing lanes into straight sections of road
--Widen to install aesthetic concrete median barrier.
Source: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION1/MtHood/project_mhh_safety.shtml
