Transportation, Roads & Infrastructure

Factual background and legislative updates on key issues facing Jackson County.

Our region's transportation infrastructure is the foundation of the local economy. Regional road departments and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) face funding constraints to maintain key transit corridors like the I-5 corridor through Medford and Ashland, Highway 238 connecting Jacksonville and the Applegate Valley, Highway 99, and Highway 62. As vehicles become more fuel-efficient and electric vehicle adoption increases, revenue from the traditional gas tax is declining.

This funding gap impacts road repairs, bridge maintenance, and emergency evacuation route planning in the Rogue Valley. Additionally, local public transit systems, such as the Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD), must balance services between connecting outlying towns like Phoenix, Talent, and Gold Hill and servicing high-density routes in Medford.

To address these shortfalls, state and local authorities have debated various solutions, including increasing the gas tax, implementing new vehicle registration fees, or exploring highway tolls. Many residents strongly oppose new fees, arguing that household budgets are already stretched too thin, while others argue that without new revenue, road safety and economic connectivity will deteriorate.

Deep Dives & Specific Topics

This is a broad issue. Select a specific topic below to explore the details and share your feedback on that specific area: