System Operations
System Operations involves optimizing the efficiency, reliability and safety of Oregon’s transportation system.
Oregon’s transportation system includes the roads, transit networks, signals and other transportation resources like state highways, interstates, rail and bus lines, and local streets.
“Operations” means keeping goods and travelers on the transportation system moving efficiently and reliably. This results in less stop-and-go traffic, faster bus rides, fewer crashes, and minimal detours during construction. More efficient transportation systems also allow existing roads to accommodate Oregon’s growing economy.
The three areas tracked in this category — road system growth, intelligent transportation systems, and eco driving — work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. They also benefit from other strategies in our vision; see the Pricing, Funding and Markets; Transportation Options; and Land Use pages.
Progress snapshot
Road system growth
Between 2018 and 2025, total statewide lane miles increased less than 1% (counting only state, county, and city roads submitted for federal reporting). Most of that growth occurred on local roads to accommodate new homes and businesses. Oregon’s road system is mature, the overall need for new lane miles has slowed to focus on local roads and key bottlenecks. New long range planning rules require additional reviews of capacity expanding projects, which need to show that when combined with other projects, will not increase vehicle miles traveled faster than population growth.
Intelligent transportation systems
State and local agencies have been steadily investing in new technology over the last decade to improve the efficiency of the transportation system, and to keep it safe and optimized. While more cost effective than expanding roads, labor and maintenance costs of these programs are high, which is slowing the deployment of new systems.
Eco-driving
Low fuel prices prior to 2026 and more fuel-efficient new vehicles have resulted in fewer people in Oregon driving more fuel efficiently. Higher gas prices, along with new technology in vehicles and programs to educate drivers, may help spur drivers to change their behavior.
Explore each category below for a breakdown of our progress.