Canyonville ODOT Station Retains Funding, Continues Key Role in Highway Safety

CANYONVILLE, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Canyonville station will continue operating at full capacity after concerns earlier this year that budget cuts could force downsizing.

The small but vital crew supports Roseburg and Grants Pass ODOT teams, maintaining safe travel along Interstate 5 and surrounding highways. Roseburg crew manager Randy Camp said the public often overlooks the extensive work required to keep roads clear during Oregon’s harsh winters.

“The public expects a perfectly safe, beautiful drive,” Camp said. “They don’t realize how much work goes into making sure that happens.”

Canyonville’s strategic location allows for quick responses to emergencies, closures, and severe weather events. Crews there have assisted with major incidents, including the Milepost 97 Fire in 2019 and the Milepost 98 Fire in 2024, where their proximity allowed for immediate support.

The team also manages chain control near Glendale’s Exit 80, helping motorists safely navigate or turn around during snow events. “Our number one priority has always been incident response — that’s people’s lives,” Camp said.

Earlier this year, ODOT faced potential staff and equipment reductions due to funding shortfalls. Region 3 Manager Darrin Neavoll, whose region includes Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine, and Jackson counties, said Canyonville was among the smaller facilities considered for cuts.

“Canyonville would have been down to just one or two people, which isn’t safe or practical,” Neavoll explained. “That’s why it was prioritized to stay staffed.”

Currently, Canyonville maintains a five-person crew, with additional support from Roseburg. During winter storms, ODOT deploys up to nine plows — five between Glendale and Grants Pass, two on Camas Mountain, one on 12 Mile Hill, and one on Roberts Mountain — to keep highways open and safe.