The total length of the survey was eight miles. Mr. J. H. Scott was in charge of the work as locating engineer.
LINN COUNTY
Albany-Jefferson Survey
A survey of the Pacific Highway between the Marion County Line (Santiam River) and Albany, was made in December, 1917, and a definite route between these two points adopted. In a general way the located route follows the present road. Near the Jefferson end, however, the new location cuts across the property of E. M. Miller, paralleling the Southern Pacific tracks with a net saving of 1,600 feet in distance over that of the present road. Near Miller Station the line again leaves the old road, eliminating four dangerous right angle turns by cutting diagonally across. The new location also provides for the elimination of the present grade crossing on the W. E. Fisher property by means of an overhead crossing just north of the grade crossing.
For the first one-half mile south of the Santiam River Bridge it will be necessary to materially raise the grade of the present road as it is considerably below high water, and therefore subject to overflow. It will also be necessary to construct a few low bridges on this section to provide waterways for flood waters.
It is expected that the Albany-Jefferson Section will be graded and paved during the 1919 season.
MALHEUR COUNTY
Malheur County is an important highway center. It is most favorably situated with respects to highways in Eastern Oregon, in that it serves as a common junction point for the Old Oregon Trail, John Day Highway and Central Oregon Highway. A fourth highway will enter the County from Nevada leading from Winnemucca north through Jordan Valley.
Malheur County is fairly well equipped for road work and has already made a most creditable showing. All the people are good roads boosters, having learned the value and necessity of improved roads. This was proven by their voting a $20,000.00 bond issue at the recent election. The purpose of this fund is to meet the State and Federal appropriation of $80,000.00.
In area, Malheur County is an empire in itself. The natural result is an extra large mileage of roads, and many of them run through mountainous districts. To improve only the main highways in Malheur County is a huge undertaking.