Dundee/Newberg bypass? (Portland, McMinnville, Lincoln City: 2013, construction, transportation)

[pnwguy2]

I have been studying this on-going bypass between Dayton and north of Newberg around US99W for a number of years now. This year, the first phase of the bypass between Dundee and Newberg opened as a two-lane highway. I have traveled it a couple of times, and most of the traffic time so far show the bypass actually takes longer than the regular highway.

I understand the project is still under planning and/or construction. Eventually, the plan will provide a 4-lane highway from Dayton (near McMinnville) up to north of Newberg. I would guess the final 11 mile plan will provide some traffic relief in the bottleneck of Dundee/Newberg, if it ever becomes built to the full intention.

Any thoughts on this? Even at completion, it just spells 11 miles of bypass, hardly a blip on US99W.

For those who need more detailed info:

Oregon Department of Transportation - JTA Region 2 - Highway 99W Newberg Dundee Bypass - Project Map

[leastprime]

I've always tried to avoid this route at all costs. I tried this route 35 years ago and it was bad then.

[pnwguy2]

Yeah, this was a wicked route up through Dundee/Newberg with the increasing wineries in the area, and additional residential population. I drove that route in 2013 and it actually took me one hour to get through the Newberg/Dundee area. So I understand the bypass construction, but as with everything in Oregon, this is a slow process, and the final bypass completion is still years away. I know it is has been approved by the State, but I wonder how long this 11 miles bypass will actually take. Too bad that an 11 miles bypass has taken this long, and the final project may take much longer. And then, what has been gained? A savings of 4 minutes?

[Larry Caldwell]

The real jam was going through Dundee. Going around the town is a big help.

[pdxMIKEpdx]

People that are new to, or unfamiliar with the area ALWAYS think this the shortest, fastest route to Lincoln City from Portland.

It may be, mileage wise, but time-wise, it's the longest route.

Google maps tells you that route (of the three main routes) may save you 5 minutes, but in reality................................