Speed limits to be reduced on several county roads
The Deschutes County Road Department is notifying the community that speed limits will soon be reduced on several County roadways. These changes are being made to enhance safety and accommodate the needs of all road users.
State law requires the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to set speed limits on public roads in Oregon. ODOT and local agencies use traffic studies to determine posted speed limits. These studies look at travel speeds, crash history, nearby homes and businesses, and other roadway characteristics, like curves and sight restrictions. After reviewing traffic safety trends and community feedback, the Road Department asked ODOT to lower speed limits on four county roadways.
New speed limits will be posted on the following roads:
- Old Bend-Redmond Highway: From U.S. 20 to Young Avenue, reduced to 50 mph.
- Old Bend-Redmond Highway: From U.S. 20 to O.B. Riley Rd, reduced to 35 mph.
- South Canal Boulevard: From Young Avenue to 300 feet south of Elkhorn Avenue, reduced to 50 mph.
- Powell Butte Highway: From 0.16 miles south of Jason Road to 0.25 miles north of McGrath Road, reduced to 50 mph.
- Johnson Road: From 0.19 miles north of Tumalo Creek to Tumalo Reservoir Road, reduced to 45 mph.
For more information about speed limits on Deschutes County roads, please visit the Road Department website.
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Media Contact:
Chris Doty, Road Department Director
(541) 388-6581
News Release Issued: January 20, 2026
