Nielson Road

April 12, 2020

Comparing the 1889 map to the 1916 and later maps, I think there is a strong possibility that the original country road alignment was Nielson to Woodard road, and that the large looping curve past the Springdale Job Corps Center was actually originally constructed for the CRH. Adding to this suspicion is the fact that the original bridge at Stark Street had the same name as Nielson Road. Hopefully a deeper dive into the OHC reports will shine some light on this issue.

Of course, it is also clear that the 1889 map is lacking a lot of detail, so this is by no means a definite conclusion, but I do think it is likely.

"Having ascertained these facts the writer made several trips over the proposed route of the highway, and it was found that from the western boundary of the county, passing through the city of Portland to Chanticleer Inn, 22 miles to the east, the existing roads, serving a splendid agricultural section, are for the most part comparatively level, and with the exception of some short and dangerous curves in several places, and steep grades on both approaches to the Sandy River, these roads require but little more than drainage and hard surfacing to make them reasonably good, although, of course, the location can be improved materially in many places."

CLICK HERE to continue exploring the COUNTY ROADS

CLICK HERE to continue exploring the HIGHWAY