Be prepared to slow down on OR Highway 11 near Athena

New lower speed limit posted

For more information: Tom Strandberg ODOT Public Affairs 541-963-1330, cell 541-663-6261 thomas.m.strandberg@odot.state.or.us

Motorists traveling along the Oregon-Washington Highway (OR 11) between Pendleton and Milton-Freewater may notice some changes in the posted speed limit near Athena. Between mileposts 16.18, near Pamburn Road (west of the Athena interchange) and milepost 17.80 (north of Banister Road), the posted speed limit is now 50 mph. Prior to the change, this section was posted at 55 mph, same speed limit as most of the highway. Recent crash history and safety concerns prompted the speed reduction as a safety measure. Travelers are reminded to heed the new speed limit, slow down and pay extra attention along this corridor.

A lot of traffic connects to and from OR 11 in this area, which means there are a lot of turning movements off and onto the highway. Travelers are not always prepared or paying attention to these traffic patterns, which can lead to crashes. When turning, always double check for oncoming traffic, which may be obscured by vehicles in the turn lanes or in front of you.

A few years ago the posted speed near Athena was 50 mph, but it was changed to match the rest of the route in 2017. Since the change three years ago there have been eight reported crashes and numerous near misses observed.

“We performed another speed study of the area,” said ODOT Traffic Investigator Rick Stanton. “Based on that information and safety concerns we’ve adjusted the speed limit back to what it used to be. Our goal is to improve safety on the state’s transportation system, and we believe this will help do that along this stretch of OR 11.”