Chapter 423: , Laws of 1917, the Secretary of State is directed to (6)

The State Highway Commission opened bids on the grading of a 9.37 mile section between Elgin and Minam Hill. In the letting of this work they experienced the same difficulty as with the Union-Telocaset work. (See report on the Union-Telocaset grading). The subsequent action of the State Highway Commission in taking the contract over to be done by State forces resulted in work starting in August, 1918. Owing to weather and soil conditions work on this section has closed down for the winter. The amount expended is $3,838.44 and the total estimated cost is $41,151.00. Mr. R. A. Pratt, resident engineer for the State Highway Department was in charge of this work and Mr. C. A. Dunn was superintendent.

La Grande-Hot Lake Grading

In November, 1917, the State Highway Department appropriated $5,000.00 to co-operate on the grading of that section of the Old Oregon Trail between Hot Lake and La Grande. Grading work started within the month and two miles were graded when work was closed for the winter.

This work was continued during the present season and up to November 30, about five miles of grade had been completed. In addition to the $5,000.00 of State money the County has expended about $3,000.00. It will require about $3,000.00 to complete the grading and an additional $5,500.00 for bridges. The bridge plans call for concrete structures.

Survey of the Old Oregon Trail, Union County

The State Highway Department has made a location survey of 45.26 miles of the Old Oregon Trail in Union County. The survey begins at the Union-Umatilla County Line near Kamela and continues through La Grande, Hot Lake and Union and ends at Telocaset. Office plans are complete for most of this work. Locating engineer D. D. Glass made the survey from La Grande to Telocaset and R. H. Baldock, locating engineer, was in charge of the work between Kamela and La Grande.

Survey of La Grande-Joseph Highway, Union County

In 1917 a final location survey was made from La Grande to Minam, a distance of 38.28 miles. D. G. Glass, locating engineer for the State Department, was in charge of the crews. Beginning at La Grande the line runs through Island City, and Elgin and ends at Minam at the confluence of the Minam and Wallowa Rivers. Plans for this work are practically complete. The location from Island City to Elgin is to be reconsidered with the view of making some changes in the route.

Union-Telocaset Post Road Project

A co-operative agreement between the State and Government provides for the construction of a portion of the Old Oregon Trail between Union and Telocaset. This section, six miles in length, begins at Union and follows up Pyles Canyon near the location of the present road to a point 1.5 miles north of Telocaset.

The total estimated cost of this project is $30,000.00 making $15,000.00 to be paid by each the State and Government. Union County joins in the co-operation of the work, in case the total cost exceeds the amount stipulated in the Federal agreement. If the total cost should exceed the estimate given in the project agreement, the County agrees to pay the full amount of such cost.

Work was started on this section August, 1918, and $20,575.50 had been expended to November 30. R. A. Pratt is resident engineer for the Department. The work is being done by the State forces under the supervision of C. A. Dunn, assistant engineer.

Elgin-Minam Post Road Project

The State Highway Commission secured an agreement with the U. S. Office of Public Roads providing for the construction of a 9.37 mile section of the La Grande-Joseph Highway. The survey for this improvement begins at Elgin and follows east in the direction of the present road to the top of Minam Hill.

It is estimated that this work will cost $41,151.00 or $20,575.50 for each the State and Government. In case the cost of this work exceeds the estimate shown in the project agreement, the County agrees to pay such cost. In this manner Union County is co-operating in this improvement.

Work opened up here in August under the supervision of C. A. Dunn, assistant engineer, for the Department. State forces are employed on force account basis. The expenditures to November 30 amount to $3,838.44, and the project is about 10% completed. R. A. Pratt is resident engineer for the State Department.

WALLOWA COUNTY

Wallowa County's road problem is entirely local in character as this district is not touched by a trunk road of the State system. Some very good natural roads are found in this district, while others are very bad. The latter designation applies more especially to some of the mountain roads, which are extremely narrow and very dangerous.

The La Grande-Joseph Highway is very important locally, since it is the only road connecting the valley with outside points. The people in general are very much interested in highway possibilities, but the County funds have proven inadequate to make much of a showing towards permanent work. Most of the available County funds are required for maintenance of the existing roads, many of which extend through mountainous areas. Additional State aid is much needed if any substantial improvements are hoped for.

A general reconnaissance survey was made in October, 1918, by the State Highway Department from Elgin to Joseph. The purpose was to gather general information for the use of the State Highway Commission. This survey was made by M. O. Bennett, division engineer for Eastern Oregon.

During this visit the matter of Post Road Aid was taken up with the County authorities. It was understood that the County would make application at once, but it appears that no further action was taken.

The State Highway Commission has extended aid to Wallowa County by co-operating on the Flora-Enterprise Forest Road and also helped to secure Government aid on the same project. The County made an appropriation to help in the construction of this road. Work is in progress on this road under the direction of the U. S. Office of Public Roads. The following statement shows the estimate cost and segregation of funds:

State appropriation $12,324.00
Federal appropriation 12,324.00
County appropriation 5,000.00
----------
Total estimated cost $29,648.00

WASCO COUNTY

The Dalles-Three Mile Post Road Project

An appropriation has been made, by the State Highway Department, from the Post Road Fund for co-operation in the paving of a two mile section of The Dalles-California Highway between the east city limits of The Dalles and Three Mile Creek.

A project statement has been prepared, requesting $14,830.00 from the U. S. Office of Public Roads. The State will supply a like amount and Wasco County $4,000.00. This makes a total of $33,660.00 which is the estimated cost of the project.

The present gravel road will serve as a base for the pavement which is to be 16 feet wide. The improvement will include re-ditching of the road bed and the installation of culvert pipe in several places.

It is planned that work will start early in 1910.

The Pine Hollow-Kingsley Post Road Project

The section of The Dalles-California Highway in Wasco County between Pine Hollow, near Dufur, and Kingsley is designated by the State Highway Commission as a Post Road. This section is 4.0 miles long and follows near the line of the present road. The project begins at the road forks 21/4 miles south of Dufur and ends at a point on the present road 11/2 miles north of Kingsley.

The plans provide for the grading of the road bed, the estimated cost of which is $14,500. The State and Government are each requested to appropriate $2,500.00 and the County will expend $9,500.00. It is expected this work will be done in 1919.

Antelope Grade Post Road Project

The State Highway Commission has designated as a Post Road a three mile section of The Dalles-California Highway immediately north of Antelope. This is known as the Antelope Grade Section. The new road will be a 6% grade along near the present road.

The total estimated cost of grading to standard width and properly draining is $30,000.00; and the funds are to be provided as follows: State $2,500.00; Government, $2,500.00; and Wasco County, $25,000.00.

It is hoped this work will start early in 1919.

Survey--Seufert to the Deschutes River

A survey was made in April, 1918, for the Columbia River Highway between Seufert and the Deschutes River, along the river for the purpose of comparison with a previous survey over the hill, conforming closely to the present road.

This route, which was subsequently adopted, has a summit of 210 feet against 780 feet on the hill route, and a length of 12.8 miles, a saving of 2.7 miles in distance. Between The Dalles and Seufert about two miles was graded to standard width and grade in 1917. The proposed route follows close to the railroad, which is crossed near Big Eddy on a proposed overhead bridge and utilizes the old State Portage Railroad roadbed, as well as the already graded bank of the Government canal. Near Celilo, another overhead crossing of the O.-W. R. R. & N. Co. tracks is proposed, and from this point to the Deschutes River the highway is located between the Oregon Trunk Railroad and the O.-W. R. R. & N. Co., using about two miles of abandoned railroad roadbed.

This improvement requires only very light construction, except for short distances, and it is believed it can be kept free from drifting blow sand by the use of sand fences, as the Portage Railroad is used where the sand is the worst, and this was kept open with very little maintenance. With a smooth roadbed, and with nothing to cause drifting, it is thought that the maintenance on this account will be negligible.

The route is attractive, as it makes available at close range the Locks at Big Eddy, the Celilo Canal, and the magnificent Celilo Falls. The estimated cost of this project is $142,500.00. It is proposed to include this project in the 1919 program.

Deschutes River Bridge.

Among the bridges expected to be built in the near future is the proposed reinforced concrete arch bridge over the Deschutes river at Miller, about a mile above the river's mouth. This will be a State and Inter-county structure, and will connect Sherman and Gilliam Counties on the Columbia River Highway, and will be located a few hundred feet below the present old wooden toll bridge which it will replace.

The design, which is practically completed, contemplates seven arch spans aggregating 580 feet in length with a filled approach at either end. The estimated cost of the bridge is $75,000.00.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

During 1917 and 1918, the State Highway Department in co-operation with Washington County has completed the grading, bridging and paving of the West Side Highway across that County. This work has involved the grading and paving of 12.5 miles and the construction of three bridges and one undergrade railway crossing. On this work, when final payments are complete, the State will have expended $292,000.00 and the County will have expended $10,000.00.

In addition to this construction, the Department has made surveys between Beaverton and Hillsboro and between Forest Grove and Gaston, and has furnished the County engineering services in connection with the grading of these two sections.

Paving--Multnomah County Line to Newberg

The pavement on the West Side State Highway between the Multnomah County Line and Newberg is 15.7 miles in length, of which 12.5 miles is in Washington County and 3.2 miles in Yamhill County. This pavement is a two-inch standard bitulithic surface on a crushed rock base. It is sixteen feet wide with a two-foot macadam shoulder on each side. The grading in Washington County and the paving in both Washington and Yamhill Counties was done by Oskar Huber of Portland under a contract awarded him on July 30, 1917. The work was started in August, 1917, and was completed in October, 1918.

The grading in Washington County will cost complete approximately $39,699.85 of which Washington County has paid $9,395.00. The part of the paving within Washington County will cost complete $234,750.00 all of which is paid for from State Funds.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES TO NOVEMBER 30, 1918 GRADING AND PAVING MULTNOMAH COUNTY LINE TO NEWBERG

Engineering $ 9,445.56
Right-of-Way Costs 49.98
Construction:
Crushed Stone Shoulders, 163,663.4 lin. ft.
@ .06 $ 9,819.80
Standard Bitulithic Pavement, 149,764.4 Sq.
Yds. @ $1.28 191,698.43
Broken Stone, Loose Measure, 34,885.75 Cu.
Yds. at $2.40 83,725.80
Clearing and Grubbing 1,250.00
Common Excavation, 46,773.9 Cu. Yds. @ .34 15,903.13
Intermediate Excavation, 9,224.4 Cu. Yds. @ .62 5,719.13
Solid Rock Excavation, 385 Cu. Yds. @ $1.15 442.75
Overhaul per 100 Lin. Ft., 172,279.2 Cu. Yds.
@ .01 1,722.79
12-inch Reinf. Conc. Pipe, 1,568 Lin. Ft.
@ $1.25 1,960.00
24-inch Reinf. Conc. Pipe, 52 Lin. Ft. @ $2.45 127.40
36-inch Reinf. Conc. Pipe, 96 Lin. Ft. @ $4.25 408.00
6-inch Porous Drain Tile, 7,191 Lin. Ft. @ .15 1,078.65
Rip-Rap, 32 Cu. Yds @ $2.75 88.00
Force Account:
Lowering and lengthening existing culverts 1,081.67
Replacing bridge approach at Tualatin River 50.27
Special wide ditches alongside road near Four
Corners 814.50
Back-fill and planking at Onion Flat Trestle 405.94
Tearing down old trestles at Onion Flat 55.33
Replacing private water supply crossing 13.31
Rebuilding Right of Way Fences 70.85
Grading at Middleton R. R. Crossing 1,970.47
Blind Drains 189.68
New 30-foot Culvert 223.60
New 42-foot Culvert and special fill over it 468.26
Drain Tiling, back-filled with rock 582.09
-----------
Total amount earned by Contractor to Nov.
30, 1918 $319,869.85
Less amount retained pending completion of
contract 50,388.46
-----------
Total paid contractor to November 30, 1918 269,481.39
-----------
Total expended to November 30, 1918 $278,976.93

Onion Flat Bridge

This crossing consists of a laminated wood deck on heavy stringers supported by a series of creosoted pile bents. It is on the West Side Highway about four miles southwest of Tigard and is designed for heavy traffic loading.

An asphaltic wearing surface prevents moisture coming in contact with the wooden floor and with the treated piling tends to give the maximum length of life to the main members of the structure. This bridge is 600 feet long and cost complete $8,372.22.

Fanno Creek Bridge

The Fanno Creek bridge at Tigard on the West Side Highway consists of a superstructure similar to the Onion Flat bridge, carried on wood bents on concrete foundations. A sidewalk was built on one side to accommodate pedestrians. The bridge is 70 feet long and cost $1,882.81.

Tualatin River Bridge

The bridge consists of a covered Howe truss wooden bridge of 144 foot span and 166 lineal feet of pile trestle approach.

Like the others constructed by the State on main highways, this bridge is of heavy traffic design, and the bridge and approaches have laminated wood floors with asphaltic wearing surfaces. Windows are provided at panel points to provide light and to add to the appearance of the structure. Cost $12,968.60.

Votaw Undercrossing

A grade separation was made on the West Side Highway near Votaw, wherein a wooden trestle was constructed to carry the Southern Pacific line above the roadway. The structure was designed and built under the supervision of the railroad's engineering department.

Final settlement has not yet been made with the Railway Company, but it is estimated that the State's share of the cost of this structure will be $4,000.00. The balance of the cost will be paid by the Railway Company, no share of the cost being borne by the County.

Survey--Beaverton to Hillsboro

A location survey was started January 1, 1918, from the West City limits of Beaverton and completed to the city limits of Hillsboro, a distance of 7.7 miles. The alignment parallels the Southern Pacific Railway on the north side of the tracks and eliminates four grade crossings. The entire section was graded by Washington County during the 1918 season.

Survey--Forest Grove to Gaston

A survey was made from Forest Grove to Gaston, a distance of approximately 6 miles. The alignment follows the existing road with the exception of a change at Dilley to eliminate two railroad crossings.

Considerable grading was done between Dilley and Gaston, reducing the grade to five per cent.

Mr. C. G. Reiter, County Surveyor of Washington County, was employed as locating engineer for the State, and also supervised the grading in both of the above sections.

WHEELER COUNTY

Wheeler County, being without either rail or water transportation facilities, is entirely dependent upon its roads for communication with outside points, as well as between points within the County. All of the large amount of agricultural products of the county must be transported for long distances over roads and highways, and likewise, all manufactured articles and other supplies from points without the County must be brought in over them. For that reason, good roads are of the utmost importance to all of Wheeler County, which fact is fully recognized by the Wheeler County people.

Every effort is being made by the County to build up and improve its road system, but the funds available within the County are entirely inadequate. In November, 1916, bonds were voted to the amount of $80,000.00, the maximum allowed the County under the State laws, but this amount is hardly enough to make a beginning on the necessary road construction in the county, as Wheeler County is rough and mountainous, and road construction is therefore heavy and expensive.

The State Highway Commission realizing the importance of the construction of roads in this County, and the impossibility of the financing of their construction by the County alone, early determined to assist to the greatest possible extent.

Surveys have been made by the Department over all but two miles of the two most important cross-county roads, the John Day River Highway and the McKenzie River Highway. During 1917 and 1918 the State Highway Department expended the sum of $46,997.79, cooperating with the County in the construction of 4.2 miles of grading and macadamizing between Fossil and the Gilliam County Line. State aid was also granted the County to the amount of $14,235.45 for the construction of nine-tenths of a mile, known as the Bridge Creek Section, on the McKenzie River Highway just west of Mitchell, the total cost of which was $24,235.45.

For the construction of 25.5 miles on the John Day River Highway between the mouth of Sarvice Creek and the Grant County Line, the Highway Department has set aside the sum of $63,345.70 to be added to 63,345.70 of Federal Post Road Funds and $36,000.00 of county funds to provide the total amount of $162,691.40 which the project is estimated to cost.

The Department has further been instrumental in securing Federal Aid for the construction of a Forest Road Project 5.5 miles in length between Mitchell and the Crook County Line, known as the Ochoco Canyon Project. On this project the State will expend $20,050.00, the Federal Government, $20,050.00 and the County, $4,900.00, $45,000.00 in all.

In summary, State Aid and Federal Government Aid extended to Wheeler County during 1917 and 1918 and set aside to be expended in 1919 and 1920, are as follows:

=========================+==========+===========+==========+===========
| | | Federal |
| State | County | Govt. | Total
| Funds | Funds | Funds |
-------------------------+----------+-----------+----------+-----------
Expended in 1917 and | | | |
1918-- | | | |
On grading Cummings Hill |$ 7,004.85|$ 7,527.50| ... |$ 14,532.35
Sec. | | | |
On macadamizing Cummings | 32,465.44| ... | ... | 32,465.44
Hill Section | | | |
On grading Bridge Creek | 14,235.45| 10,000.00| ... | 24,235.45
Sec. | | | |
-------------------------+----------+-----------+----------+-----------
Total |$53,705.74| $17,527.50| ... |$ 71,233.24
| | | |
Appropriated for Expen- | | | |
diture in 1919 and | | | |
1920-- | | | |
On Sarvis Creek-Grant |$63,345.70| $36,000.00|$63,345.70|$162,691.40
County Line Section | | | |
On Ochoco Canyon Section | 20,050.00| 4,900.00| 20,050.00| 45,000.00
-------------------------+----------+-----------+----------+-----------
Total |$83,395.70| $40,900.00|$83,395.70|$207,691.40
-------------------------+----------+-----------+----------+----------

Cummings Hill Grading

On June 19th 1917, a contract was let to the Elliott Contracting Co. of Portland, Oregon, for the construction of 3.5 miles of grade between the foot of Cummings Hill, north of Fossil, and the Gilliam County line. This construction was a five per cent development to eliminate the heavy grades and narrow roadbed of the former road. Work was commenced on July 6th, 1917, and completed on October 5th, 1917. The work of the contracting firm was very satisfactory, and an excellent piece of grading was secured. The Engineer in charge for the Highway Department was Mr. B. H. McNamee.

The total cost of the work was $14,532.35, of which the State paid $7,004.85 and Wheeler County $7,527.50. The detailed cost statement follows:

DETAILED EXPENDITURE STATEMENT--GRADING CUMMINGS HILL, SECTION

Engineering $ 1,423.30
Construction:
Common Excavation, 11,397 cu. yds. @ .40 $ 4,558.80
Intermediate Excavation, 6,017.4 cu. yds. @ .70 4,212.18
Solid Rock Excavation, 2,816.5 cu. yds. @ 1.35 3,802.27
12-inch Corr. Iron Pipe, 682 Lin. ft. @ .40 272.80
24-inch Corr. Iron Pipe, 40 Lin. ft. @ 1.00 40.00
Rubble Masonry, 22.3 cu. yds @ 10.00 223.00
----------
13,109.05
----------
$14,532.35

Bridge Creek Grading

The grading of a nine-tenth mile section in Bridge Creek Canyon was contracted to the United Contracting Co. of Portland, Oregon, on November 27th, 1917. This section is on the McKenzie River Highway about four miles west of Mitchell. In addition to the grading, the contract involved the construction of a ninety foot bridge over Bridge Creek.

The work was started on February 15th, 1918 and completed on June 20th, 1918. The engineering was in charge of Mr. R. H. Coppock.

The total cost of the work was $24,235.45 of which the State paid $14,235.45 and Wheeler County $10,000. The detailed cost statement follows:

DETAILED EXPENDITURE STATEMENT--GRADING BRIDGE CREEK SECTION

Engineering $ 635.30
Construction:
Common Excavation, 3935.6 cu. yds. @ .60 $ 2,361.42
Intermediate Excavation, 549.4 cu. yds. @ .75 412.05
Solid Rock Excavation, 9837.6 cu. yds. @ 1.40 13,772.64
Overhaul per 100 lin. ft., 363 cu. yds. @ .03 10.89
12-inch Corr. Iron Pipe, 20 lin. ft. @ .73 14.60
15-inch Corr. Iron Pipe, 108 lin. ft. @ .83 89.64
21-inch Corr. Iron Pipe, 60 lin. ft. @ 1.00 60.00
Rubble Masonry, 1.58 cu. yd. @ 12.50 19.75
Guard fence, 100 lin. ft. @ .85 85.00
1 90-foot Bridge & approaches:
Superstructure and trestle (Lump
sum) $ 5,100.00
Class "A" Concrete in piers, 49.24
cu. yds. @ $34.00 1,674.16
----------
$ 6,774.16
----------
$ 23,600.15
-----------
$ 24,235.45

Macadamizing on Cummins Hill Section

On August 7th, 1917, no satisfactory unit price bid having been received, the State Highway Department entered into a "cost plus" contract with the Warren Construction Company of Portland, Oregon, to macadamize with broken stone the Cummins Hill Section between Fossil and the Gilliam County line, on the John Day River Highway. The rock for this work was crushed on the job, and the macadam surface was constructed sixteen feet wide with a compacted thickness of six inches.

Payment to contractor was made on the basis of actual cost plus a percentage of 10 per cent on labor and five per cent on materials.

To November 30th, 1918, the State had expended $32,465.44 on this work, and it is estimated that there are bills outstanding against it to the amount of $1,500.00.

In addition to the 3.4 miles of grading done by the State on Cummins Hill the County continued the grading at the foot of the hill for a distance of 0.7 miles, making a total of 4.2 miles. The full section has been macadamized, giving Wheeler County 4.2 miles of standard macadam road.

Butte Creek Summit Grading

During the 1918 season, the County has graded under State supervision, a one and seven tenths mile section about nine miles southeast of Fossil on the John Day River Highway. This section is known as the Butte Creek Summit Section. The construction was paid for entirely by the County. Engineering supervision was furnished by the State Highway Department, the engineer in charge of the work being Mr. B. H. McNamee.

The total amount expended by the County, prior to November 30th, on this work was approximately $30,000.00, and the quantities of construction completed to this date were as follows:

Common Excavation 8,000 cu. yds
Rock Excavation 12,000 cu. yds.
Pipe, 12-inch 234 lin. ft.
Pipe, 20-inch 72 lin. ft.
Pipe, 16-inch 100 lin. ft.
Clearing 8 acres

Grading between Cummins Hill and Fossil

During April and May, 1918, Wheeler County graded, under the direction of the State Highway Department, a section of the John Day Highway between Cummins Hill and Fossil. This grade was .7 of a mile in length and joined up with the Cummins Hill grading. This improvement cost the County approximately $4,000.00. Geo. Hibbert was inspector and transitman in charge for the State Department.

Survey of the John Day River Highway

With the exception of a two mile section immediately West of Fossil, the entire John Day River Highway through Wheeler County is covered by location survey made during the past two years. The total length of survey on this highway is 41.5 miles. For all but about twelve miles, of this total, the detailed plans are practically complete. The survey of this highway has been in charge of B. H. McNamee.

Survey of the McKenzie River Highway

The State Highway Department has completed a survey of the McKenzie River Highway in Wheeler County from the boundary of the Ochoco National Forest west of Mitchell to the Grant County Line near Dayville, a total distance of 48 miles. This survey was made by Locating Engineer R. H. Coppock. The plans are complete except for the eight miles west from the Grant County line.

From the west end of this survey at Ochoco Forest boundary, the Federal Office of Public Roads has made a survey to the Crook County line, so the survey of the McKenzie River Highway is complete all of the way through Wheeler County.

Survey of Highway No. 14

In 1917, pursuant to a request from the County Court, a section of Highway No. 14 between Mitchell and Antelope was surveyed. This survey begins at the point on the Mitchell-Prineville survey about four miles west of Mitchell and extends 1.4 miles down Bridge Creek to where connection is made with the present road. This survey was made by R. H. Coppock, locating engineer.

Sarvice Creek-Valades Ranch Post Road Project

Application has been made to, and approved, by the Federal Office of Public Roads for Post Road co-operation on a 48.5 miles section of the John Day River Highway in Wheeler and Grant Counties. 25.5 miles of this project are in Wheeler County and 23 miles in Grant County. The total estimated cost of the project is $400,433.79, and the funds are to be provided as follows: State $157,216.90, Government $157,216.89; Wheeler County $36,000.00 and Grant County $50,000.00.

The survey for this project parallels the John Day River on the north bank, through Wheeler County and extends from the mouth of Sarvice Creek in Wheeler County to Valades Ranch about four miles West of Dayville in Grant County. In Grant County a crossing is made to the west bank near the upper end of the Big Basin.

It is expected that construction will be commenced on the Sarvice Creek-Valades Ranch Project early in 1919.

Ochoco Canyon Forest Project

A Federal Aid Co-operative Agreement has been entered into between the State, the Federal Government, and Wheeler County for the grading of a 5.5 mile section on the McKenzie River Highway. This section is known as the Ochoco Canyon Section and extends from the Crook County line to a point about 16 miles west of Mitchell.

This work is estimated to cost $45,000.00 of which the State will pay $20,050.00, Wheeler County $4,900.00, and the Federal Government $20,050.00. It is expected that this section will be built during the 1919 season.

YAMHILL COUNTY

In Yamhill County the State Highway Department has co-operated with the County in the grading and paving of 3.2 miles between Rex and Newberg and of 4 miles between Sheridan and McMinnville. The total expenditure on this work amounts to $147,000.00 of which the County has paid $18,273.49.

An effort has been made to secure Federal Aid in the construction of a section of the Portland-Tillamook Highway from Grande Ronde west. With this in view, the necessary surveys have been made, and it is expected that Federal Aid will be secured so that the construction may be undertaken during the 1919 season.

Sheridan Paving--1917

In 1917 the Highway Department constructed with its own forces and equipment 1.8 miles of concrete pavement from Sheridan east on the Sheridan-McMinnville Road. This pavement was 16 feet wide, 61/2 inches thick at the center and 51/2 inches thick at the edges. The mix used was a 1:11/2:3.

In connection with the paving there was a considerable amount of grading, the total expenditure for grading, culverts, etc., being $5,651.70. The cost of the 1.8 miles of paving was $31,432.99, the unit cost being $1.82 per cubic yard.

Yamhill County co-operated in the payment for this work to the amount of $10,000.00. A complete statement of the costs on this work is given below.

COST STATEMENT--SHERIDAN PAVING--1917

Quantity Item Cost Unit Cost

2498 cu. yds. Common Excavation }
652 cu. yds. Intermediate Excavation } $ 4,442.85 $ .906
1750 cu. yds. Solid Rock Excavation }
182 lin. ft. 12-inch Culvert Pipe 283.90 1.56
118 lin. ft. 18-inch Culvert Pipe 276.00 2.34
44 lin. ft. 24-inch Culvert Pipe 134.20 3.05
290 lin. ft. 6-inch Porous Drain Tile 52.25 .18
25 cu. yds. Class "C" Concrete 462.50 18.50
17,150 sq. yds. Concrete Pavement 31,198.87 1.82
5050 lin. ft. Expansion Joints 234.12 .046
-----------
Total Construction Cost $ 37,084.69
Engineering 1,131.35
-----------
Grand Total Cost $ 38,216.04

Paid by State $ 28,216.04
Paid by County 10,000.00
-----------
Total $ 38,216.04

Sheridan Paving--1918

Early in 1918, Yamhill County requested that the concrete pavement laid in 1917 be continued to a total length of four miles, and offered to pay for all grading necessary in connection therewith. This request was granted by the Highway Commission and in the early spring, construction was started on the additional 2.2 miles.

The type of pavement laid on this section was the same as that laid in 1917, except that crushed rock aggregate was used instead of gravel, and the mix was reduced to 1:2:31/2.

The coarse aggregate consisted of crushed stone ranging from 1/4 inch to 21/2 inches. For the fine aggregate, both Columbia River and Willamette River sand was used. The stone was crushed from a quarry operated by the State on Deer Creek which was near the center of the job and consisted of an altered basalt of rather coarse texture. The quality of this stone is not equal to the true basalt; but tests made by the Oregon Agricultural College showed that it was of good quality. The average haul on this material was .6 of a mile.

Crushing was begun early in March and 1200 cubic yards of material stored in a stock pile which was rehandled later by means of an automatic loader purchased by the State Highway Department for this class of work. The output of the crusher was insufficient to keep the mixer running and by means of this stock pile it was possible to keep the material coming on to the road steadily and finish the job in a minimum length of time and with the least inconvenience to traffic.

In this connection the experience on this job shows the advisability of using a stock pile of material to draw from in case of emergencies. When this is done the work is allowed to go ahead steadily, although a breakdown at the crusher may occur. The saving made by a steady run more than offsets the cost of rehandling the material, which is done very reasonably by the use of machinery.

The sand was shipped to Ballston and Sheridan by railroad, approximately equal amounts being shipped to both places and was so divided as to get a minimum length of haul on this material. The average haul was 3.5 miles. At Ballston the sand was unloaded from the cars into bunkers, which dumped directly into trucks, while at Sheridan no bunkers were available and the material was unloaded on the ground and rehandled by means of an automatic loader. No delay was caused by car shortage as we used our stock pile at Sheridan in emergencies. All the material was hauled and handled by means of trucks, two of which belonged to the State Highway Department, others working on a yardage basis.

The pavement, after being struck off, was finished by the roller and belt method; being rolled from two to four times, according to the condition of the concrete and later belted with eight and ten inch belts. The eight inch belt being used first. By using this method of finishing, we were able to eliminate the use of skilled labor, which showed a material saving in the finishing item, and at the same time secured a very satisfactory surface.

As soon as sufficiently hardened, the pavement was covered with earth from the roadside and kept moist for at least one week while curing. The earth covering was later removed by means of an ordinary road grader, when ready to be opened for traffic, the elastite joints being trimmed at the same operation.

A short stretch of pavement was left out at Deer Creek to allow a fill to settle during the winter rains. In conformity with our general practice, sufficient crushed rock was left on the job to complete this stretch and make repairs.

Elastite joints were placed every thirty feet and extended the entire width and depth of the pavement. Continuous forms were used on a portion of this pavement and were found to be much superior to the ordinary type, and the Department has adopted the continuous form for future work. These forms are made by using two pieces of form lumber 11/2 inches by 51/2 inches nailed together. The joints are lapped one-half the length of the stick. The finished form is 3x51/2 inches and is easily placed on either tangents or sharp curves.

The concrete was mixed with a sixteen cubic foot Koehring Mixer equipped with bucket and boom. The plant is owned by the Department.

The grading was paid for by Yamhill County and the crusher, roller, grader, and scarifier were also furnished by them free of charge. Earth shoulders were built along the pavement by means of road grader.

Mr. J. M. Baker was Superintendent of Construction on this work.

COST STATEMENT--2.2 MILES, 16-FOOT CONCRETE PAVEMENT, EAST OF SHERIDAN--BUILT IN 1918

Quantity and Item Total Cost Unit Cost

Grading $ 1,853.07
19,566 sq. yds., 1:2:31/2 concrete pavement
Average thickness 6 inches 36,378.01 $ 1.86
6,192 lin. ft., Expansion Joints 247.68 .04
140 cu. yds., Broken Stone Macadam 420.00 3.00
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Total Cost of Construction $ 38,898.76
Engineering 1,166.85
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Grand Total Cost $ 40,065.61

5099 bbls. Cement used on this work at a cost of $13,299.00 F. O. B. Work. 15 yds. of Sand and 120 yds. broken stone left stored on job.

Paving--Multnomah County Line to Newberg

A complete description of the paving of the 15.7 mile section of the West Side Highway between the Multnomah County Line and Newberg is given in the Chapter devoted to Washington County. It should be mentioned here, however, that 3.2 miles of this pavement is within Yamhill County, and was built by the State at a cost of $57,500.00. The construction of the subgrade was paid for by Yamhill County, part of it having been done by County forces and the balance of it by the paving contractor under a cost plus 10 per cent agreement with the County. For the work done under this agreement, the contractor was paid $6,153.05.

Survey--Grande Ronde Section

A survey was made in the spring of 1918 between Grande Ronde and the Bee Ranch at the east end of the Sour Grass road improved in 1916. This is an important link about 61/2 miles in length on the Yamhill-Nestucca Highway, connecting as it does the cities of McMinnville, Willamina, Sheridan and Tillamook. In addition it will afford a short and direct route between the hay and grain fields of the Willamette Valley and the dairy ranches of the coast. Further, this highway is used by hundreds of autoists in summer enroute to the Tillamook beaches.

From the fact that only 21/2 miles of this section are in service as a postal route, Federal Aid could be applied for only on that section and cooperation has been requested as follows: United States Government $15,000; State of Oregon $15,000; Yamhill County $10,000. For the remaining four miles, Yamhill County has appropriated $5,000 from the 1919 funds.

It is estimated that the total cost of the remaining section will be $50,000 and it is expected that the work will be done in 1919. The entire project as proposed will be graded 24 feet wide, conforming to the State standards as to alignment and grade and surfaced with macadam 12 feet in width, thus closing the gap and affording a road between Portland and Tillamook which will be open the entire year.

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