Salem, Ore - The City of Salem has reopened 2^nd Street NW after extensive improvements from Wallace Road NW to Gerth Avenue NW. 

Plans to update this corridor began in 2010 with the design and construction of 2^nd Street NW from Gerth Avenue NW to Rosemont Avenue NW. After nearly 15 years, residents and City staff are excited about the completed street and the revitalization of the West Salem neighborhood and business district. A notable achievement of this project was finishing the connection of 2^nd Street NW from Murlark Avenue NW to Patterson Avenue NW, providing a continuous connection from Wallace Road NW to Rosemont Avenue NW. This crucial link has been a key objective for the City and addresses a long-standing barrier to efficient travel in the area.

The $6.1 million project, funded by the West Salem Urban Renewal Area, was completed in two phases when construction began in 2023.

• Phase 1 construction of the 2nd Street NW improvement project covered the segment of roadway from Wallace Road NW to Patterson Avenue NW and was completed in the winter of 2023.
• Phase 2 construction, which will be wrapping up the end of July, included improvements to 2nd Street NW from Patterson Avenue NW through to Gerth Avenue NW.

Project Accomplishments

The scope of work included:

• significant upgrades to utilities, 
• addition of new sidewalks,
• landscaping and street lighting, 
• curbs and new pavement,
• bike and pedestrian street improvements. 

The City of Salem would like to thank the West Salem businesses and residents for their patience and collaboration in the planning, design, and construction of this street improvement. We hope it’s an investment that the community can be proud of and one that fosters a more pedestrian and bike-friendly environment, creates a walkable neighborhood feel, and builds a safer, more vibrant community for all West Salem residents and visitors.