Motorcyclist Dies After Crashing Through Salem Construction Zone

Salem, OR. — A man riding a three-wheeled motorcycle was killed Saturday night after bypassing a construction barricade and crashing into heavy equipment on Hazelgreen Road NE, according to the Salem Police Department.

The crash occurred at approximately 8:38 p.m. near 49th Avenue NE. A passing motorist reported that the motorcycle went around a barricade closing Hazelgreen Road west of 49th Avenue due to ongoing construction. The rider continued into the inactive work zone and collided with the back of an excavator positioned within the site.

First responders pronounced the rider deceased at the scene. Authorities confirmed that next of kin have been notified.

The Salem Police Traffic Team responded to conduct the investigation, which remains ongoing. Officials have not yet determined what caused the rider to enter the closed area or what factors led to the collision.

This fatality marks the ninth deadly crash in Salem so far in 2025, resulting in nine deaths.