Oregon Department of Transportation considers maintenance staff cuts

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is considering cutting nearly 200 maintenance positions to address a $200 million budget gap for the 2027-29 budget cycle. Agency officials and climate experts warn that these reductions could accelerate the deterioration of Oregon’s roads, bridges, and highways.

ODOT Chief Engineer Tova Peltz noted that maintenance crews are increasingly being diverted from routine tasks, such as patching potholes, to respond to severe weather and wildfire emergencies. During recent wildfire seasons, workers have been responsible for managing traffic, coordinating community evacuations, and closing highway sections to serve as fire breaks. Peltz expressed concerns regarding worker safety and burnout as staff are frequently brought in from different regions to support crews working nonstop through emergencies.

While approximately 10% of the positions at risk are currently vacant, eliminating the remainder would necessitate layoffs. Experts suggest that reducing staff amid a growing maintenance backlog and more frequent extreme weather events poses a significant risk to state infrastructure.