 A speed limit sign is located along the shoulder of Cape Arago Highway at the west entrance to Charleston, near Seven Devils Road. ODOT plans to lower the speed limit through Charleston from 35 mph to 25 mph.
ODOT plans to lower speed limit on Cape Arago Highway through Charleston
July 6, 2026
CHARLESTON – The speed limit along a one-mile stretch of Cape Arago Highway (Oregon 540) through Charleston will be reduced in an effort to improve traffic safety.
The speed limit from Seven Devils Road to Libby Lane will be lowered from 35 mph to 25 mph. This section of Cape Arago Highway includes the South Slough Bridge and several popular local businesses that attract pedestrians.
At the east end of Charleston, the highway speed limit will drop slightly from 40 mph to 35 mph in the half-mile between Libby Lane and Hollywood Lane.
The changes will take effect when new signs are installed later this month or in August. ODOT will notify local law enforcement when the signs are ready.
A request for safety improvements came from the local community.
“We had a couple folks call our Ask ODOT hotline with concerns about traffic safety near the Seven Devils Road intersection,” ODOT District Manager Glen Pederson said.
Pederson ordered a speed zone investigation, which supported lower speed limits. He is also working with ODOT staff on plans to cut back brush and improve sightlines near Seven Devils Road this fall.
“We get a lot of good feedback through Ask ODOT, and I think these changes will make the area safer for everyone,” Pederson said.
No other changes
Last week, a few local websites and Facebook pages suggested that ODOT would lower speed limits on Cape Arago Highway in North Bend. Some speed limits were lowered last year, but no other changes are planned at this time.
For more information, contact ODOT Public Information Officer Dan Latham at 541-817-5200 or Dan.Latham@odot.oregon.gov. Individuals who have transportation questions or suggestions can also contact Ask ODOT or call 1-888-Ask-ODOT.
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