Crook County is one of the districts of Eastern Oregon where the road
program is an expensive one. Prineville now has rail communication with
outside points, and in sections of the County there is found some good
natural roads, but much is wanting in the line of transportation
facilities. Owing to a large portion of the County being mountainous in
character, much of the roads are little else than trails.
Formerly the boundaries of Crook County encircled an area now comprising
several counties. The paring process, caused by the forming of new
counties left Crook County in a peculiar position. The local road map
indicates that the County is divided into two communities with the
dividing line following the rugged country a few miles east of
Prineville. A single road that is a succession of heavy grades and poor
alignment, is the sole medium of traffic communication between the two
ends of the County.
The people of Crook County are fully aware of the importance of
highways. Although local funds will not go far, a remarkable beginning
has been made. A County bond issue of $95,000.00 has been voted for road
construction. The general progressiveness and co-operative spirit
existing throughout the County is shown by the fact that $85,000.00 of
the bond issue is to be expended on one road. Reference is made to the
proposed road up Crooked River from Prineville, connecting the east and
west end of the County.
The State Highway Commission has ordered a location survey made of the
Crooked River Highway between Prineville and the Shorty Davis Ranch. The
length of this line will be about thirty miles, and practically a water
grade can be secured. This work will start easily in 1918.
The immediate purpose of the survey is to gather definite data for the
consideration of the State Highway Commission. The County authorities
have made application for State aid and request early consideration of
the matter.
The State Highway Commission is cooperating in the construction of the
Ochoco Forest Road in Crook County.