Salem to Tigard Commute (Portland, Corvallis: living in, dangerous, suburbs)

[barnettao]

Hello all. This is my very first post on any forum so I'm ever so excited. I've found a lot of information but wanted to get a bit of clarification on a few things. Thanks in advance for any help!

1. I have read the Marion Street Bridge is kind of dangerous and adds nearly 30 minutes to a commute from West Salem out to Tigard. Additionally, is it always clogged or only during traditional rush hour (7 AM through 6 PM)?

2. I will need a central location to commute to both Tigard and Corvallis. Is Salem the best location?

Thanks again for any assistance!!

[bobmulk]

I live in Salem and I think that Salem would be your best bet. I'm in NE Salem and for years commuted to Portland and its suburbs. The traffic congestion has increased markedly over the years.

Yes, living in West Salem will make your commute horrible to Tigard. The bridges are jammed and there's no freeway from downtown to Interstate 5 which goes to Tigard. You might want to consider Keizer. A lot of people commute from Keizer to the Portland area. You would also be able to take I-5 south to Highway 34 which goes straight into Corvallis. It's not as close as West Salem, but it's fast because it's highway all the way.

[barnettao]

Thank you so much for your information. I'm sorry to be so needy but I was curious if you had a general guess as to how long it would take to get to I-5 from West Salem? Additionally, are the most congested times during traditional rush hour (7 AM and 5-6 PM).