SHERMAN COUNTY
Sherman County is so situated with respect to the State Highway System, that its boundaries include a comparatively small mileage of State roads. This however, is no indication of the value improved roads will be in the County. The situation is of both state wide and local importance.
This County is found with many miles of good natural road. In addition they have graded a large mileage and in some localities unusual attention is given to road maintenance. The County is fairly well equipped for road work and have plans for quite an extensive program.
State aid in Sherman County thus far has been confined to highway surveying, but the State Highway Commission has definite plans for extending aid in the construction of the Deschutes and John Day River Bridges and the grading of the Columbia River Highway. It is expected this work will start early the coming season.
The Deschutes River Bridge.
Various attempts have been made by Sherman, Wasco County and the State to raise funds for the construction of the Deschutes River Bridge on the Columbia River Highway. Success crowned these efforts recently when a final agreement was reached between the three.
The total estimated cost of this bridge is between $70,000.00 and $75,000.00. The State Department plans call for a reinforced concrete structure about 600 feet in length.
Sherman County has pledged $25,000 towards defraying the cost of the bridge providing funds are raised for completing same. This condition has been met by the State Highway Commission and negotiations are already underway for securing right-of-way. In this connection it is pertinent to state that Wasco County also has appropriated $25,000.00 for co-operation in this work. The State’s share of the cost will be approximately $25,000.00, according to the present estimate.
Columbia River Highway Survey
During 1918 the State Department made a location survey of the Columbia River Highway between the Deschutes and John Day Rivers. The line follows the river canyon through Sherman, Biggs and Rufus. The length of this survey is 14.66 miles. The field work only has been completed on this survey and construction plans will be made up soon. C. S. Noble was the locating engineer for the Department.
John Day Bridge
This inter-county bridge will be located on the Columbia River Highway across the John Day River, below McDonald, and will obviate the necessity for the toll ferry at McDonald.
As designed, the crossing calls for 2-123 foot wooden deck spans on concrete piers and about 120 feet of high class wooden approach and 100 feet of fill. The cost, which is estimated to be $20,000.00, will be borne by Sherman and Gilliam Counties, and the State, and it is probable that construction work will start next spring.