The Oregon Department of Transportation is warning drivers of possible delays around the state Thursday as hundreds of trucks head toward the state capitol for a rally.
The convoys will converge on Salem during the morning rush hour and are expected to leave in early-to-mid afternoon.
“A lot of roads are going to be affected, not just the I-5 corridor, but potentially other roads coming from Portland, coming from eastern and central Oregon, as well as southern Oregon and from the coast,” said ODOT spokesperson Lou Torres.
A group called “Timber Unity” is planning the protest, which is directed at a climate change bill proposed by legislative Democrats. According to its website, some of the convoys will hit the road as early as 1 a.m. on Thursday. The group held several protests over a similar bill during last year’s legislative session.
The truck convoys could also impact public transportation in the Salem area. The capitol city's transit agency, Cherriots, told riders to prepare for delays and possible detours. Several Cherriots bus routes travel directly in front of the Capitol.
