A reconnaissance between the city limits of Salem and the Linn County
Line (Santiam River) just south of Jefferson, was made in the spring of
1918, and the following facts developed, as regards the comparison of
three possible routes between these points:
Via Turner and Marion:
Length, 22.5 miles.
Railroad grade crossings, 5 with main line of Southern Pacific.
Bridges, 9.
Overflow, long stretches.
Light grades--very little rise and fall.
Via Liberty and Ankeny Hill:
Length, 18.6 miles.
No railroad crossings.
Bridges, small.
Undulating steep grades--heavy work to cut to 5 per cent or
extensive alignment changes involving added distance.
New right of way required through valuable orchard property.
Present road macadamized or graveled entire length.
Jackson Hill Route:
Length, 17 miles.
No railroad crossings.
Bridges, small.
Five per cent grades.
Good alignment. Low summit obtained by alignment change going
to the east of Jackson Hill, involving two miles of new
construction.
Right of way required--unimproved except in one instance.
Direct route.
Present road macadamized or graveled except for five miles.
A detailed survey was made over this so-called Jackson Hill route, and
its advantages caused the Highway Commission to adopt it as the route of
the Pacific Highway between these points. It is estimated the cost will
be $109,000.00 to complete the subgrade, and it is expected this project
will be commenced in 1919.