Report on Transportation Infrastructure and Sustainable Development in Central Oregon

Executive Summary

This report analyzes the state of transportation infrastructure in Redmond and Central Oregon, highlighting the critical need for maintenance and investment in state-managed highways. The condition of these transportation systems directly impacts several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to infrastructure, community safety, health, and economic growth. Urgent legislative and administrative action is required to address systemic failures and ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of the region.

Infrastructure Assessment and Jurisdictional Disparities

Safe and reliable transportation infrastructure is fundamental to economic stability, emergency response capabilities, and public safety. While local municipalities such as Redmond are fulfilling their maintenance responsibilities, a significant deficit exists in the upkeep of state-managed roadways.

Key Areas of Concern

• Highway 97: The highway is reported to be in a state of steady deterioration, posing risks to users.
• Highway 126: Increased traffic volumes necessitate safety upgrades at key intersections to prevent accidents.

The failure to maintain these critical arteries represents a significant liability, undermining the integrity of the regional transportation network and jeopardizing progress toward key sustainability targets.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The challenges facing Oregon’s transportation system are directly linked to the achievement of several SDGs. Investment in road maintenance is not merely an operational issue but a strategic imperative for sustainable development.

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   This goal calls for building resilient infrastructure. The current deterioration of state highways in Central Oregon is in direct opposition to this objective. Neglecting maintenance compromises the resilience of the transportation network, which is foundational for economic activity and community connectivity.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable requires access to safe and affordable transportation systems. The poor condition of Highways 97 and 126 threatens community safety and access, making travel hazardous and undermining the sustainability of Redmond and surrounding areas.

3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   A primary target of SDG 3 is to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents. Unmaintained roads, inadequate snow removal, and unsafe intersections are direct contributors to serious accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Investing in road safety is a critical public health measure.

4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   Productive economies rely on dependable infrastructure. Failing transportation systems disrupt supply chains, impede commerce, and create economic liabilities. Supporting local economies requires a functional and safe road network that facilitates the movement of goods and people.

Recommendations and Proposed Financial Solutions

Call for Legislative and Administrative Reform

A greater sense of urgency is required from the Oregon Legislature and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) leadership. Systemic reforms are necessary to address budgetary shortfalls and operational inefficiencies. Legislative action is essential to ensure state roads are adequately maintained, including winter plowing and necessary repairs.

Financial Proposal Overview

A proposed financial plan aims to rectify ODOT’s budgetary failures and provide a sustainable funding model. Key components include:

• Addressing the immediate maintenance budget deficit within ODOT.
• Allocating 50% of new revenue directly to cities and counties for their critical operations and maintenance needs.
• Ensuring a direct return on investment for vehicle owners through improved local and state road conditions.

Conclusion

The continued neglect of essential highway infrastructure in Central Oregon poses an immediate threat to public safety and long-term economic health. It also represents a failure to align with universally accepted Sustainable Development Goals. Immediate intervention through the proposed financial measures is critical to support local economies, improve road safety, and build a resilient and sustainable transportation system for all Oregonians.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The article’s primary focus is on the state of transportation infrastructure, specifically the deterioration of state-maintained roads and highways like Hwy 97 and Hwy 126. It calls for investment and maintenance to ensure these systems are safe and reliable, which is central to SDG 9.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The author, the mayor of Redmond, frames the issue in the context of community safety and economic well-being. The article emphasizes the need for safe and accessible transportation systems for the residents of Redmond and Central Oregon, directly linking to the goal of making cities and human settlements safe and sustainable.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  A significant concern raised in the article is the risk to human life and health due to poor road conditions. The text explicitly warns that “Serious accidents including injuries and fatalities will occur if our roads are not properly maintained,” connecting infrastructure quality directly to public health and safety outcomes.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure

   This target aims to develop quality, reliable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being. The article directly addresses this by:

   • Stating that “Safe, reliable transportation systems are essential.”
   • Highlighting the lack of quality and reliability: “Hwy 97 is steadily deteriorating” and highways are the “weakest links in our transportation system.”
   • Connecting infrastructure to the economy: “Maintaining and expanding transportation infrastructure is the foundation of our economy” and calling for resources to “support local economies.”

2. SDG Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all

   This target focuses on improving road safety and providing access to safe transport systems. The article’s content aligns with this target by:

   • Repeatedly emphasizing the need for safety: “increased traffic necessitates safer intersections on Hwy 126,” “highways in Central Oregon will continue to be safety liabilities,” and the need to “improve road safety for Central Oregonians.”
   • Describing the current systems as unsafe and in need of urgent reform to prevent accidents.

3. SDG Target 3.6: Halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents

   This target is directly concerned with reducing the health impact of road accidents. The article makes a clear link between infrastructure maintenance and this target by:

   • Explicitly warning of the consequences of inaction: “Serious accidents including injuries and fatalities will occur if our roads are not properly maintained.”
   • Framing the issue as a “safety liability” that puts the lives of Central Oregonians at risk.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 9.1 (Resilient Infrastructure):

   • Condition of roads: The article implies this indicator by describing Hwy 97 as “steadily deteriorating” and mentioning the need for roads to be “repaired where necessary.” Progress could be measured by assessing the physical condition of the highways.
   • Traffic volume: The mention of “increased traffic” on Hwy 126 serves as an indicator of the growing demand on the infrastructure, which necessitates expansion and safety improvements.

2. For Target 11.2 (Safe Transport Systems):

   • Number of unsafe intersections/road sections: The article identifies “safer intersections on Hwy 126” as a specific need. Progress could be measured by the number of intersections upgraded or deemed safe.

3. For Target 3.6 (Road Safety):

   • Number of road traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities: This is the most direct indicator implied in the article. The warning that “Serious accidents including injuries and fatalities will occur” suggests that tracking these statistics is crucial for measuring the success or failure of road maintenance and safety initiatives.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: oregonlive.com