Replace Hwy 22 & Independence Hwy (Brunks Corner) With A Roundabout

The Issue

The intersection of OR-22 and OR-51, otherwise known as Brunks Corner, is one of the most dangerous intersections in Polk County. Daily, thousands of commuters travel through this intersection from all directions at their own peril, including my children's mom. Just last week, three cars collided at this intersection, with at least one driver losing his life. His life is just one in thousands of fatalities at this dangerous intersection, but he is someone's parent, partner, and friend. I fear one day that I'll receive a call that I too will have to have that conversation with my kids explaining why mommy can't see them any longer.

The accident statistics at this intersection paint a truly grim picture. This intersection is a hotspot for traffic fatalities and injuries owing to the high rate of speed and lack of adequate traffic control measures. This must be stopped, not with more stop signs or traffic lights, but with a roundabout. Studies show that roundabouts reduce fatal accidents by up to 90%, reduce the risk of all accidents by nearly a third, and reduce pedestrian accidents by 40% (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Simply put, roundabouts save lives.

In signing this petition, your voice joins ours in making the plea for safety; for life. Your signature underscores the importance of every person's life who travels through  this intersection. Your affirmation stands in solidarity with those who say "No more deaths!" This isn't just about my kids' mother, nor the man who lost his life last week, but this is about everyone who travels between Independence, Dallas, and Salem.

Join us, sign this petition to urge Polk County, the Oregon Dept of Transportation, and the state government to replace this dangerous intersection with a safe, and effective roundabout. It's high time that Brunks Corner becomes Brunks Circle!

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The Issue

The intersection of OR-22 and OR-51, otherwise known as Brunks Corner, is one of the most dangerous intersections in Polk County. Daily, thousands of commuters travel through this intersection from all directions at their own peril, including my children's mom. Just last week, three cars collided at this intersection, with at least one driver losing his life. His life is just one in thousands of fatalities at this dangerous intersection, but he is someone's parent, partner, and friend. I fear one day that I'll receive a call that I too will have to have that conversation with my kids explaining why mommy can't see them any longer.

The accident statistics at this intersection paint a truly grim picture. This intersection is a hotspot for traffic fatalities and injuries owing to the high rate of speed and lack of adequate traffic control measures. This must be stopped, not with more stop signs or traffic lights, but with a roundabout. Studies show that roundabouts reduce fatal accidents by up to 90%, reduce the risk of all accidents by nearly a third, and reduce pedestrian accidents by 40% (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Simply put, roundabouts save lives.

In signing this petition, your voice joins ours in making the plea for safety; for life. Your signature underscores the importance of every person's life who travels through  this intersection. Your affirmation stands in solidarity with those who say "No more deaths!" This isn't just about my kids' mother, nor the man who lost his life last week, but this is about everyone who travels between Independence, Dallas, and Salem.

Join us, sign this petition to urge Polk County, the Oregon Dept of Transportation, and the state government to replace this dangerous intersection with a safe, and effective roundabout. It's high time that Brunks Corner becomes Brunks Circle!

The Decision Makers

Julie Brown
Julie Brown
ODOT Commission Chair

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Petition created on December 14, 2024