Sherman County is so situated with respect to the State Highway System,
that its boundaries include a comparatively small mileage of State
roads. This however, is no indication of the value improved roads will
be in the County. The situation is of both state wide and local
importance.
This County is found with many miles of good natural road. In addition
they have graded a large mileage and in some localities unusual
attention is given to road maintenance. The County is fairly well
equipped for road work and have plans for quite an extensive program.
State aid in Sherman County thus far has been confined to highway
surveying, but the State Highway Commission has definite plans for
extending aid in the construction of the Deschutes and John Day River
Bridges and the grading of the Columbia River Highway. It is expected
this work will start early the coming season.
The Deschutes River Bridge.
Various attempts have been made by Sherman, Wasco County and the State
to raise funds for the construction of the Deschutes River Bridge on the
Columbia River Highway. Success crowned these efforts recently when a
final agreement was reached between the three.
The total estimated cost of this bridge is between $70,000.00 and
$75,000.00. The State Department plans call for a reinforced concrete
structure about 600 feet in length.
Sherman County has pledged $25,000 towards defraying the cost of the
bridge providing funds are raised for completing same. This condition
has been met by the State Highway Commission and negotiations are
already underway for securing right-of-way. In this connection it is
pertinent to state that Wasco County also has appropriated $25,000.00
for co-operation in this work. The State's share of the cost will be
approximately $25,000.00, according to the present estimate.