Salem, OR. – In a move to confront Oregon’s worsening transportation infrastructure, the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation have introduced the Oregon Transportation ReInvestment Package (TRIP). The proposal, unveiled this week, aims to modernize outdated systems and stabilize long-term funding, but has already drawn partisan debate.
The urgency of action is reinforced by findings from the 2024 Oregon Infrastructure Report Card, published by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), which gave Oregon’s roads a D+ and its bridges a C. The report cited more than 400 state bridges that are over 100 years old and emphasized that 6% of Oregon’s bridges are structurally deficient.
“Oregon’s aging bridges and roads pose a significant safety risk and economic burden. Delayed maintenance has led to pothole-riddled roads, increased vehicle repair costs, and reduced freight reliability,” the report stated. It also highlighted that Oregon drivers spend an average of $394 annually in extra vehicle repairs due to poor road conditions.
According to ASCE, 36% of major roads in Oregon are in poor or mediocre condition. The state’s road network is plagued by insufficient funding for maintenance and lacks a resilient plan to adapt to climate-related events such as wildfires and flooding, which are increasingly damaging rural roads.
Co-chairs Representative Susan McLain (D-Hillsboro) and Senator Chris Gorsek (D-Gresham) said the TRIP proposal is a response to these exact challenges. “Oregonians have been clear that they want action, not delay,” McLain said. “They want clean, safe streets. They want reliable public transit. They want to know the bridges their children cross every day are structurally sound.”
The TRIP framework proposes new revenue mechanisms, including the phased implementation of a Road Usage Charge for electric vehicles, as well as increased investment in public transportation, bike, and pedestrian infrastructure. It also includes an external review of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) by transportation finance experts, with recommendations expected in May.
But Senate Republicans are pushing back, warning that the framework as proposed could place excessive financial burdens on working families and rural communities. Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) stated, “This proposal represents multi-billion-dollar tax increases that will burden hardworking families, many of whom are already struggling with the rising costs of living.” He argued that the package appears to prioritize urban interests and public transit expansion over essential road maintenance and highway capacity in rural areas.
In their official response, Senate Republicans also criticized the lack of clear cost estimates in the preliminary framework. “Oregonians deserve transparency and a full accounting of what this package will cost them—not vague promises and deferred details,” the statement read. They also raised concerns about potential administrative inefficiencies within ODOT, citing previous cost overruns and slow project delivery.
Senator Bruce Starr (R-Dundee), co-vice chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, echoed these points, stating, “This is just the beginning, and there’s much work to do. Republicans are committed to being part of the conversation and finding common ground to solve the state’s transportation problems, but that starts with clear priorities, fiscal discipline, and measurable results.”
As lawmakers continue deliberations, the stark findings of the 2024 infrastructure report loom over the debate, underscoring the high stakes. Without decisive investment, experts warn, Oregon’s transportation system may further erode—putting public safety, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability at risk.
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