Traffic Speed Impacts on State Highway 99 in Corvallis, Oregon

Benton County Health Services (BCHS) conducted an HIA to assess potential impacts of a 25 mile-per-hour speed limit on a one-mile stretch of Highway 99W, which is South Third Street, in south Corvallis, Oregon. The HIA investigated potential impacts that a lower speed limit would have on active transportation, traffic safety, social networks, and access to goods and services. The HIA found that the BMI for south Corvallis adults is higher when compared to all adults living in Corvallis. The HIA also found that the rate of pedestrian and bicycle collisions on arterial roads (such as Highway 99W/South Third Street) is higher in south Corvallis when compared to all of Corvallis. Parents who were surveyed as part of the HIA cited volume and speed of traffic as issues that affect their decision to let children walk or bike to school.

The HIA recommended that the posted speed limit be lowered to 25 miles-per-hour and that the current school zone around Lincoln Elementary School be extended to include an activated crosswalk. The HIA also made several road improvement suggestions including extending the current median and planting trees; creating more sidewalks and expanding current sidewalks; and considering painted bike lanes and community signage.